Alia

I am a photographer passionate about social documentary, environmental portraiture, and visual sociology. I try to place ethics at the core of my practice, often working in socially engaged ways and via partner negotiation and collaboration. Previously I was a firefighter for 24 years, and then transitioned to event production, working globally with renowned clients like Duke Dumont, Wu-Tang Clan, Pusha T and many others. After leaving the touring life, I earned a BA and MFA in photography (with distinction) at the University for the Creative Arts and now here I am doing what I love.

I am a children’s playwright, poet and community creative writing facilitator. With fifteen years experience working in the sector, I have had multiple plays for primary school age children to perform published and have had works for children and families commissioned from theatres and arts organisations. My playwrighting focus is on inclusive history that is curriculum-adjacent or locally relevant and I’m particularly passionate about amplifying the stories of marginalised women and girls from the past. I work with schools and in the community delivering a range of bespoke workshops to young people, families and to those living with dementia and their carers.

Chuckie McEwan (she/they) is a BIFA Longlisted and BAFTA recognised film producer, with 15+ years experience. Her commercial clients include CHANEL, Virgin Media, Red Bull and XBox. Chuckie co-founded Grey Moth Originals, which actively facilitates industry access routes for underrepresented filmmakers. To date the initiative has invested over £100k from commercial company profits, and completed 20+ shorts and one feature. She has lectured at UAL, University of Southampton, and Met Film School, and hosted filmmaker events and workshops with Girls in Film, BBC Comedy and BAFTA Connect. She is an alumni of the BFI x NFTS Beyond Shorts talent development programme, and is currently developing a feature film with the BFI.