As a photographer and filmmaker specialising in international schools, I'm currently working on two separate yet deeply connected film projects—one documenting the experiences of IB Diploma Programme students, and another capturing alumni reflecting on their time at their former school. While these two projects involve different schools, the parallel between filming students currently living their school experience and alumni looking back has sparked my curiosity about the power of storytelling across different timeframes.
My work with international schools initially focused on highlighting academic rigour, campus facilities, and day-to-day school life. These elements remain essential, but I've come to appreciate how much deeper the storytelling becomes when we include personal narratives from both current and former students.
Listening to IB DP students share their aspirations, struggles, and everyday realities is captivating. Simultaneously, listening to alumni reflect on how their experiences shaped their futures adds meaningful depth. Experiencing both simultaneously has highlighted to me how complementary these perspectives are in communicating a school's true value.
Emotion plays an essential role here. Parents considering a school for their child aren't solely interested in academic statistics or impressive facilities; they deeply care about their child's emotional well-being, future opportunities, and overall happiness. Alumni stories, filled with memories of enduring friendships and transformative experiences, effectively convey the emotional and social benefits a school provides.
I've found that films focusing on students and alumni separately still manage to foster community and continuity. Alumni often express pride in their former schools, highlighting the long-term impact of their education. Current students, on the other hand, represent potential and ambition, showing clearly where a school’s educational journey begins.
Practically speaking, individual stories from current students and alumni hold considerable potential for school marketing—useful for admissions materials, social media content, alumni relations, and even staff recruitment. Each story, told authentically, becomes a powerful testament to the school's long-term impact.
Working on these parallel projects has made me even more committed to advocating for storytelling that captures current experiences and alumni reflections. Authenticity is crucial. Real, unscripted interviews capture genuine emotions and meaningful reflections that resonate deeply with viewers.
Looking ahead, I aim to encourage more schools to embrace this dual storytelling approach, clearly and authentically showing how their educational journeys shape lives over time. Ultimately, the most compelling stories aren't simply about what a school offers - they're about the people they shape and the communities they inspire.
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