Raabia Hussain graduated with a BA (Hons) in Filmmaking from the Leeds School of Arts. She is a driven and passionate alumna of Leeds Beckett University. The independent filmmaker shares more about her experiences at LBU and how this has shaped her career. Her journey is a source of inspiration for any students with disabilities who study at LBU.

Impact of Leeds Beckett

Raabia's journey towards success began with her deliberate choice of Leeds Beckett University due to its vibrant diversity and stellar reputation. Alongside her academic pursuits, she dedicated herself to enhancing her skills through rigorous short courses with prestigious institutions like BFI and NFTS, solidifying her expertise and fostering valuable networking connections. ‘Finally, my hard work paid off. I had almost finished my degree at university, and thanks to my strong networking skills, I was offered a job with ITV through a contact. At that point, as a student, I realised networking was a game changer,’ she says.

Currently, Raabia is carving her path as an independent filmmaker with a keen focus on wildlife documentary filmmaking. Her ultimate ambition is to emulate the impact and legacy of David Attenborough in the realm of wildlife documentaries.

Reflecting on her time at Leeds Beckett, Raabia credits her tutor, Chris, for not only providing academic guidance but also for offering emotional and mental support crucial to her growth. She adds, ‘If he had not been so deaf-aware and used basic sign language to communicate with me, I potentially wouldn't be where I am today. The course taught me how to become resilient and stand my ground.’

Accomplishments, challenges, and more

Raabia's proudest accomplishment to date is the award-winning documentary Two Deaf Travellers. This film was ranked as the Best Independent Travel Video in 2021 by CIFFT (Comité International Des Festivals Du Film Touristique). The documentary team consisted of filmmakers who are deaf and from diverse backgrounds, which is a special point of pride for Raabia.

The recognition instilled a renewed sense of confidence in her. ‘Winning this award shows me anything is possible,’ she says.

Her journey hasn't been without challenges. In her words, ‘Selling myself would be one of my biggest challenges.’ She has had to work harder than her peers and prove her skills many times over. ‘There is much bias due to my disability, which makes people underestimate my work. However, they are incredibly impressed when they eventually see my work,’ she adds.

Raabia continues to draw strength from her achievements and the passion she holds for her craft, undeterred in her pursuit of excellence in her field.

Her advice to current students echoes her own journey: ‘Do not allow people to stop you from achieving your dreams. If you feel too many barriers surround you, you become frustrated and feel it is too difficult to carry on. Remember, many people need to improve before they become successful. Build a robust and reliable networking base that will benefit you profusely in the future. Trust me. I learned this through my university years.’

What does the future hold?

Looking ahead, Raabia is steadfast in her commitment to documentary filmmaking, aiming to traverse the globe, amplify unheard voices, and create impactful stories. She wants to listen to people, expose their stories, and make them feel heard by drawing attention to their stories through creativity. Her dream project revolves around producing a wildlife documentary akin to the iconic works of David Attenborough, a testament to her unwavering determination.

Raabia Hussain's story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering passion—a testament to overcoming challenges and pursuing one's dreams despite adversities. Her journey from Leeds Beckett University to becoming an impactful filmmaker serves as an inspiration to current and future students, showcasing the transformative power of dedication, skill-building, and unwavering resolve.