University of Stirling students produce new documentaries for BBC Scotland’s Disclosure

A successful partnership between the University of Stirling and the BBC has resulted in the production of two new documentaries created by students.

The short films, which are available to view on iPlayer, have been made by two teams of final year film students.

It is the second time the University has collaborated with BBC Scotland’s news and current affairs department to produce documentaries for broadcast.

The new films were created for the 'Disclosure' series following a number of masterclasses led by senior BBC journalists, and students were invited to pitch ideas for a documentary. Two were then commissioned, with mentoring and support provided by BBC staff including award-winning producers Calum McKay, Kevin Anderson and Liam McDougall.

'What If I Can't Read?'

One of the films is on the topic of illiteracy and the second explores the assisted dying debate.

In ‘What If I Can’t Read?’ student reporter Abbie Freeman, who studies Film and Journalism, examines illiteracy rates in Scotland. She discusses her own struggle to overcome illiteracy – she could not read and write until the age of 13 – and talks about how she dealt with being diagnosed with dyslexia.

Abbie interviews experts on the subject, including the OECD official who produced the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report on reading among 15-year-olds.

Abbie, from Kemnay in Aberdeenshire, also visits an adult literacy group to hear the testimonies of men and women who are learning to read years after leaving school.

She said: “The documentary opens up a conversation about illiteracy in Scotland through sharing my own experience and connecting with others. Struggling with literacy shrinks a person’s options and makes everyday life difficult, particularly in adulthood. Those with experience of illiteracy know that feelings of embarrassment and shame prevent them from reaching out for help. 

“I initially had hesitations about telling my story, but not talking about it makes this hidden issue in society even harder to recognise. I hope that the documentary leads to more open conversations and encourages people at any stage of their literacy journey seek the support they need.

 “This opportunity was only made possible through my studies at the University of Stirling and its partnership with the Disclosure team at BBC Scotland. It has not only been an invaluable industry experience to be mentored by the outstanding journalists within the Disclosure team, but also a fantastic end to my education journey and success.”

'My Death, My Choice?'

Student reporter Alex Lichtenauer's grandfather chose to die via assisted euthanasia in their home country of the Netherlands. As the Scottish Parliament considers legalising assisted death, in ‘My Death, My Choice?’, Alex speaks to people for and against medically assisted dying to hear the arguments that divide opinion on this contentious issue.

Alex, who lives in Stirling, also gives her personal reflections on her grandfather’s decision and how the family felt during a highly emotional time.

Speaking about the experience, Alex said: "To produce a documentary with the BBC so early on in my career is truly amazing.

"The people I have met and stories I have heard throughout have been incredible and often heartbreaking. The topic is one very close to my heart, and I definitely felt every high and low of the project ten-fold, and could not have managed it without the support and belief of my crew and the Film and Media faculty."

The first two programmes in the collaboration were also presented, filmed and edited by graduating Film and Media and Journalism students. ‘Do I Have ADHD?’ and ‘Is My Flat Safe?’ are still available on BBC iPlayer.

"Unique partnership"

Professor Dario Sinforiani, Head of Production Teaching at the University of Stirling, says: "This unique partnership between education and industry has given students a fantastic opportunity both to learn from some of the country's best journalists and producers, and led to them creating high quality films which address important issues. This project is a brilliant example of what can happen when industry and education work together, and we look forward to continuing the partnership."

Shelley Jofre, BBC Scotland’s Editor of Disclosure, says: "We’re delighted that we have two new documentaries to air from this successful collaboration with the University of Stirling. The students have again produced outstanding content on issues of significant public interest."