The Filmmaker

Step into a world where stories come alive through the lens of our student visionaries. This space showcases original films, documentaries, and visual narratives that reflect identity, values, and the world around us, told with purpose, passion, and perspective.

“Let the one who sees something good share it with others.”

- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sahih Muslim)

Voices with Vision

When we first heard about the Your World Competition by the British Council, we were so excited. The challenge was to create a three-minute social action video, and we knew we had something powerful to say. At Iman Academy, we learn that our voices matter and this was our chance to prove it.

I worked with my classmates to write the script, plan the shots, and record interviews. I learned how to use a camera properly, set up good lighting, edit scenes, and even add subtitles. It felt like we were telling a real story, our story, in a way the world could hear. And when we won the Global Prize in 2019, it felt like all the hard work, all the late nights editing and re-editing, was totally worth it.

Our teachers always say that art is a bridge to truth, and I see that now. The skills we gained, video editing, teamwork, storytelling, presenting, are skills I know I’ll use for the rest of my life. And the best part? We got to do it with intention, with niyyah, to make a difference.

Excerpts from the Diary of a Student Filmmaker at Iman Academy

We gathered in the library today to brainstorm for the Your World Competition. Our Muallimah told us, "Tell the world a story only you can tell." My heart raced. I kept thinking about all the injustice we see, especially what’s happening to children in places like Gaza. What if we told their story? But not in a sad, helpless way. In a strong, honest way, through the lens of hope.

But this year, there was another idea too, something even closer to home. We talked about SDG Goal 4: Quality Education. That’s when our team decided to focus on something tangible: teaching English to children in a nearby school with very limited access to language resources.

We packed our storytelling kits, stick puppets, and notebooks and visited a humble school just 20 minutes from us, but a world apart in opportunity. The kids were eager and wide-eyed. We taught them through songs, movements, and simple stories. "Hello, my name is…" has never felt so powerful. One boy repeated it five times, then added his own name. We all clapped.

We started documenting our sessions today. It wasn’t just for the video submission, it was to show how something so small could spark something big. We caught moments of laughter, confusion, discovery. We even recorded some of our new friends saying their favorite English word. The joy on their faces lit up the whole classroom.

During editing, I cried. Not because it was hard, but because I was overwhelmed. These kids reminded me of something deep. We didn’t just teach them; they taught us. About gratitude, about the gift of language, about what it means to serve.

We added narration today: “This is what access to language looks like when shared with sincerity.” My voice shook as I recorded. It didn’t feel like a school project. It felt like da’wah, through action, through presence, through connection. We added narration today: “This is what access to language looks like when shared with sincerity.” My voice shook as I recorded. It didn’t feel like a school project. It felt like da’wah, through action, through presence, through connection.

We submitted it today for Your World Competition 2025. The video title: “Voices of Change, Opening doors to learning.” I don’t know if we’ll win. But this; this giving, this joy, this learning to share ourselves, this is what I want to keep doing. And I can’t wait to do more.

We premiered our video in the school hall. Our classmates were quiet, moved. Teachers had tears. But most of all, we sat there in awe of what we had felt and given. I think we were trying to name that feeling, maybe it was fulfillment, or barakah, or the reward of pure niyyah.

At Iman Academy, I found my voice behind the camera and my soul in the act of giving. This project taught me that education is the light we pass on, and film can be the lens that spreads it. Alhamdulillah for this journey.