FMP – Proposal

1. Project Concept and Rationale

Through my documentary, I hope to document and reflect a genuine day in the life of a UK madrasah (Islamic supplementary school) student, focusing on Al Mustafa Centre in Bradford. The project aims to highlight and disrupt misconceptions and negative stereotypes of madrasahs, specifically, as they are found in mainstream media. The film will achieve this by demonstrating the structure of madrasah education, the delivery and modes of learning, enrichment and safeguarding in a real-life setting. In doing so, it hopes to humanise and demystify how madrasahs play a role in youth identity and community development. The idea stemmed from an interesting place of both academic literature and community interaction. The academic literature forms a useful comparison to a good capture of the day-to-day interactions occurring in madrasahs. I draw on research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and their survey, “Inside Madrassas” (2011), which shows the contributions of social and educational capital made by such institutions. Additionally, Ofsted and the National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education (NRCSE), including safeguarding, establish this legitimacy and structure (DfE, 2023; NRCSE, 2025).

2. Progress and Achievements

I have done secondary research in reports, academic research, and news articles, and identified a clear target audience that includes parents, educators, the general public, and young Muslims. I also completed a list of technical requirements and budgetary requirements, next steps.

I secured access to Al Mustafa Centre and have started planning to get permissions for filming, talent release forms, and risk assessments. The technical aspects of the film project will build on my knowledge of operating cameras, using editing software, and designing sound learned from my previous assignments.

3. Evaluation and Review

The project will be evaluated based on:

• Audience feedback from screening sessions and surveys.
• Reflective journal entries using Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle.
• Tutor feedback and peer review during production.
• Success in meeting the aims outlined (representation, accuracy, community engagement).

I will also compare pre- and post-viewing survey data to assess how perceptions have changed through the documentary.