Five inspiring Bournmouth University alumnae to celebrate this International Women’s Day!

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to roll out the red carpet and pop the champagne because it’s time to celebrate International Women’s Day in style!

Today, we’re putting the spotlight on the sensational female alumni who have ignited the world with their talent and passion, right from our own campus. From crafting blockbuster films to conquering the digital realm, these leading ladies are not just rewriting the script on success – they’re leaving behind a trail of empowerment wherever they go. Here are five inspiring BU alumni to celebrate this International Women’s Day!

Lights, camera, activism: Lanka Bandaranayake’s filmmaking journey

Ever dreamed of making movies that not only entertain but also inspire change? Well, Lanka Bandaranayake, a graduate of BU’s MA in Directing Film and Television, is doing just that! From her beginnings as an actress and costume designer to her rise as an acclaimed filmmaker, Lanka’s journey showcases the power of storytelling to tackle pressing social issues like gender inequality. Through her award-winning films, she’s using her platform to amplify marginalised voices and spark meaningful change. Talk about using the silver screen for social good!

via Instagram @lankabandaranayake 

Crafting movie magic: Nicola Matiwone’s editing wizardry

Nicola Matiwone, a post-production editing wizard and graduate of BU’s MA Post Production Editing program, is the mastermind behind some of Hollywood’s most captivating scenes. From fine-tuning blockbuster hits to sprinkling her editing magic on indie gems, Nicola proves that with passion and perseverance, dreams do come true – one frame at a time! With her talent and tenacity, she’s rewriting the script on what it means to be a successful editor in the film industry. She returned in 2023 as a panel speaker, and gave an interview to BU about her proudest achievements at BU.

via Bournemouth University

Digital dynamo: Aakanksha Singh Devi’s multimedia mastery

In a world where online content reigns supreme, Aakanksha Singh Devi, a graduate of BU’s Master’s in Multimedia Journalism program, is the mastermind behind captivating digital content at LBB (Little Black Book). Through her innovative storytelling and multimedia expertise, Aakanksha is bringing stories to life in the digital realm, igniting conversations and sparking change along the way. From fashion trends to lifestyle hacks, she’s like a digital fairy godmother, enchanting audiences with her multimedia magic!

via Instagram @aakankshasd

Visual effects virtuoso: Sheila Wickens’ journey to Doctor Who

Ever wondered how those mind-bending visual effects in ‘Doctor Who’ come to life? Well, you can thank Sheila Wickens, a graduate of BU’s computer visualization program and VFX Supervisor at DNEG, for that! From alien invasions to intergalactic adventures, Sheila’s creativity knows no bounds as she brings fantastical worlds to life on the small screen. With her talent and ingenuity, she’s shaping the visual landscapes of beloved television shows and captivating audiences worldwide!

via Bournemouth University

Behind the scenes with Dara Akin: the production prodigy

Dara Akin, a graduate of BU’s Master’s in Producing Film & Television program, is the mastermind behind the scenes, making the magic happen! From Channel 4 to indie film sets, Dara’s journey is a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration. As a Junior VOD (Video On Demand) Content Operator for Channel 4 and director of her own indie films, she’s proving that with passion and perseverance, dreams do come true in the entertainment industry!

Image via Bournemouth University 

Disney dreamer: Charley Packham’s fairy-tale journey

From BU’s BA (Hons) Television Production program to Disney Imagine UK’s short-film incubator, Charley Packham‘s journey is a fairy-tale come true! With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a whole lot of talent, she’s crafting stories that enchant and inspire audiences worldwide. Through her Disney adventure, she’s proving that dreams really do come true when you dare to chase them. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a magical journey with Charley!

via Instagram @cpacks

“Here’s to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them.”

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