Questions

What do you hope to achieve during your postgraduate study at Birmingham?

During my postgraduate study, I hope to solidify my skills in both content creation and filmmaking, but more importantly, I want to build a portfolio that reflects my abilities as a filmmaker and storyteller. My goal is to eventually produce content that resonates on both creative and commercial levels, merging my passion for storytelling with the digital marketing experience I already have. I also aim to create connections with fellow students and industry professionals to build a network that will help me achieve my long-term goals of running my own media production business.

What are you looking forward to most on your course?

I’m most looking forward to having access to the university’s film and media resources. Being able to work with industry-standard equipment and collaborate with like-minded students is something I’ve been eager for. I’m also excited to dive into the creative projects the course offers, whether that’s through directing, editing, or producing. I love that the program encourages hands-on learning, allowing me to apply what I know and learn even more through experimentation. The chance to collaborate on bigger projects with a team is something I’m really looking forward to.

What have been your first impressions of Birmingham so far?

Birmingham has been nothing short of inspiring. The city has an amazing blend of tradition and innovation, with a vibrant cultural scene that feels perfect for someone like me who loves to tell stories visually. The people here are warm and diverse, which makes it easy to feel at home. The University itself has a fantastic energy — there’s a buzz around the campus, and you can feel that students and staff are genuinely passionate about the work they’re doing. I’m excited to dive into everything this city has to offer, both academically and creatively.

What was your motivation for postgraduate study?

My motivation for pursuing postgraduate study came from a desire to take my film making to the next level. Over the years, I’ve gained experience creating viral content and helping small businesses build their social media presence, but I wanted to deepen my understanding of the theory and practice behind film and media production. I believe the M.A. program will not only refine my technical skills but also expand my creative vision. I’m motivated to use this degree to explore innovative ways to tell stories visually and, ultimately, share that knowledge with others who are trying to build their own digital platforms.

Tell us about yourself and your journey to postgraduate study.

My name is Abdullah Zobaer, and I’ve had a diverse career journey that bridges both the creative and culinary worlds. After working for over a decade as a chef, I found my passion for content creation and social media management. My unique experience as a chef led me to create engaging content for restaurants and small businesses, eventually building my personal brand, Xobaer, with over 1.7 million followers across platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. It’s been an exciting journey, combining my love for food, storytelling, and videography to help others grow their brands online.

After completing my degree in Digital Marketing, I realized there was so much more I wanted to learn, especially in the realm of film and media. This led me to pursue an M.A. in Film and Television at the University of Birmingham, a natural progression that blends my technical skills with my passion for creative expression. I see this as an opportunity to further hone my storytelling abilities, particularly in the digital world.