Maryam Hassanein is from Cairo, and is a studying MA Performance: Screen at Central Saint Martins.
Why did you choose to study your course and why CSM?
My background is in theatre and film, and I work in the field of storytelling and performance. I chose this course because I’ve always been curious about the different ways one can go about being a filmmaker and taking that further, both behind and in front of the camera. CSM provides just the right environment for openness and flexibility to explore and try new things, that would otherwise not be as easy to access.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
I think the most interesting project I have worked on is one of my short films called Sout Wi Soura (video and audio), simply because I had taken the risk to shoot multiple Super 8mm film rolls back in Cairo in aim to recreate archival memories for that film, not knowing if any of them would end up looking well until I would have developed them in London, and to my surprise, they ended up looking great! I have also successfully digitized records (vinyl and shellac) during the process of that film.
Have you completed any work placements / internships whilst being on the course?
I have not completed any work placements or internships while being on the course. There have been great guest speakers and workshops led throughout the course by four-time Oscar nominee sound mixer, Mark Ulano, as well as screenwriter for Netflix’s Sex Education, Krishna Istha, and NOWNESS. I have, however, got to collaborate with external venues as a local creative from the SWANA region by creating moving image visuals, as well as working on developing my acting portfolio through individual film projects as part of both my coursework and professional practice. Networking through creative events and performances has been instrumental in finding my collaborators for for my projects, and it wouldn’t be the same without finding those who share a similar vision to you.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Have an idea of what you want to do or would like to explore in the long run (beyond the course), and try to get a sense of understanding how the unique tools provided through this course would facilitate that (think of the possibilities of what 'lens-based' and 'performance' would mean to you). Students on this course have created a diverse range of work, from live performances, and single-screen films, to interactive installations. So taking a look at what has been achieved by students on this course should provide you with insight on the quality of work that is achievable through this course.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
Definitely film and video! Developing analog filmmaking skills works best through trial and error and clear guidance on the steps on how to shoot in ideal settings. Also, learning how to digitise music records on vinyl and restore the quality of its contents has generally been transformative for my learning experience.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years' time?
As both an actress and filmmaker, my work is rooted in my cultural heritage and exploring that, so generally speaking I love taking part in projects that allow me to immerse myself in developing and creating performance pieces within the realm of my culture. I would love to see myself as part of a greater collective or network of creatives that promote and endorse the creation of spaces that support creatives from my region which entails but is not limited to the Arab speaking world. The idea is to bring different narratives out into the open, and not limit oneself or others to one way of looking at things.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
Networking and collaborating with others (both at CSM/UAL and with the outside world) yields the best results, and it’s a process for the long haul. Always be curious about digging deeper into something you’re passionate about and mastering the craft, in my case it is working with analog records and film.
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