A Day at Al Mustafa: Inside the Academy
Idea / Concept
This short documentary of a student at Al Mustafa Academy will follow them during their typical day, showcasing their lessons, routine, spiritual practice, and engagement with teachers. Furthermore, the film will include interviews with teachers, the principal and the vice principal.
Purpose / Intent
- Offering an insight into life as a student in a religious academy in the UK.
- Breaking stereotypes & highlighting the balance between religious and academic education.
- Developing narrative-driven documentary skills using observational filming and interviews.
Target Audience
Primary Research:
- Shadowing a student for observational footage
- Interviews with:
- The student
- Teachers
- Principal
Secondary Research:
- Background on Islamic schooling in the UK
- Examples of “day in the life” documentary formats (e.g., YouTube, Channel 4’s “Educating…” series)
- Visual storytelling techniques for observational docs
Production Plan
| Phase | Task | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-production | Choose student, schedule filming, get consent from all parties | Week 1–2 |
| Film students’ day: arrival, lessons, prayer, break, teacher talks | ||
| Production | Conduct interviews with staff, B-roll of the school environment | Week 3–4 |
| Conduct interviews with staff, and B-roll of the school environment | ||
| Post-production | Edit together scenes in chronological flow, add music and VO | Week 5–6 |
| Add subtitles and credits, refine based on feedback | Week 7 | |
| Submission | Final export, evaluation, and submission | Week 8 |
Documentary Style
- Genre: Observational / Participatory
- Structure: Chronological “day in the life”
- Tone: Respectful, insightful, positive
- Techniques: Natural lighting, camera gimbal, voiceover (if needed).
Equipment List
- x1 Sony A7S III & Sony FX6
- Rode Wireless GO
- Boom mic (optional for interviews)
- Tripod & DJI Ronin RS4
- Light Panel x2
- Editing software (Premiere Pro)
Themes to Explore
- Balance between religious and secular learning
- Student discipline, faith, and development
- Role of teachers and leadership
- Misconceptions vs. lived reality
Evaluation Methods
- Tutor feedback during production and editing
- Peer review
- Reflective log of challenges and achievements
- Feedback from the school (optional)
Potential Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Student camera shyness | Spend time off-camera with them beforehand to build comfort |
| Interrupting lessons | Clear consent forms, respect prayer times, and avoid disruptive shots |
| Religious sensitivity | Clear consent forms, respect prayer times, avoid disruptive shots |
WHAT TO FILM
🔹 Main Narrative: A Day in the Life of the Student
The documentary will follow one student from the start to the end of the day. I will film this in chronological order, capturing different moments of his routine.
✅ Scenes to Film
🎬 Updated Filming Plan: A Day at Al Mustafa Academy
🕓 Schedule Breakdown (4PM–7:30PM)
| Time | Activity | What to Film |
|---|---|---|
| 3:45–4:00PM | Arrival / Preparation | Student walking in, taking off shoes, greetings |
| 4:00–4:30PM | Quran Recitation (individual/jama’ah) | Wide shot of students reading quietly; close-ups |
| 4:30–5:15PM | Tajweed / Islamic Studies Class | Teacher instructing; over-the-shoulder of student |
| 5:15–5:30PM | Break Time | Student chatting, eating, playful natural shots |
| 5:30–6:30PM | Hifz / Tafsir or Further Quran Lessons | Recitation, one-to-one corrections, note-taking |
| 6:30–7:15PM | Islamic Lecture / Story of the Prophet | Teacher storytelling, class discussion |
| 7:15–7:30PM | Closing Duas / Dismissal | Class group dua, packing bags, leaving |
Refined Shot Suggestions
Arrival
- Establishing Shot: Exterior of the centre with students entering
- Medium Shot: Student removing shoes
- Tracking Shot: Following student walking to class
Class Time
- Wide Shot: Entire classroom layout
- Close-Up: Student’s fingers on Qur’an, lips reciting softly
- Over-the-Shoulder: From student’s POV during teaching
- Reaction Shots: Expressions of focus, engagement, nods, etc.
Break Time
- Candid Shots: Laughing with friends, unguarded moments
- Natural Sound: Background chatter, snacks opening, light movement
Teacher Interaction
- Medium Shot: Teacher correcting student or offering encouragement
- Side Shot: Two-shot of student and teacher talking
Closing Moments
- Group Shots: Whole class making dua
- Exit Shot: Student walking away, quiet reflection moment
HOW TO FILM IT
Shot Types to Use
| Shot Type | Purpose & Example |
|---|---|
| Establishing Shot | Exterior of the academy building, sets the scene |
| Wide Shot | Classroom scene with multiple students – shows environment |
| Medium Shot | Student sitting at desk, speaking with teacher |
| Close-Up | Writing in notebook, eyes focusing, fingers on tasbeeh |
| Over-the-Shoulder | Student listening to teacher, gives audience his perspective |
| Tracking Shot | Follow the student walking down a hallway (use gimbal if possible) |
| Cutaways / B-Roll | Prayer mats, Qur’ans, whiteboard, shoes at the door, hallway signs |
INTERVIEW PLANNING
Student Interview
- What is your daily routine before arriving at the Academy?
- What Surah are you learning?
- What do you find the most difficult about being a student here at Al-Mustafa Academy?
- How do you feel when it’s time to go home?
Interview with a Teacher
- What do students learn when they study at Al-Mustafa Academy?
- What do you do to keep the students motivated after a long day at school?
- What qualities are you working on building on in your students
Interview with the Principal
What would you say your main goal is for your students?
What would you say if someone asked you why it is important for their children to learn their religion?
What role or impact does Al-Mustafa play in the community?