Warwick students and Midlands filmmaker collaborate on international documentary series

Dr. Heidi Ashton, Reader in Cultural and Creative Ecologies at the University of Warwick, and students from the Media and Creative Industries course have partnered with emerging filmmaker and presenter Asra Hussain on 'Discovering the Forgotten Half', a series inspired by Hussain’s extraordinary year-long journey across Pakistan.

Originally planned as a two-week trip, Asra's journey evolved into a 12-month exploration, spanning from the world’s highest mountain regions near the Chinese border, to the Arabian Sea. Along the way, she documented remote communities, indigenous cultures, and deeply personal stories, while also reconnecting with her own British-Pakistani heritage.

After returning to the UK, Asra began developing the project into a documentary series. Through support from industry professionals and the Andy Taylor Foundation, she connected with the University of Warwick to create a unique collaboration between higher education and real-world media production.

Media and Creative Industries students at Warwick have since played an active role in the project, gaining valuable industry experience by contributing to a live documentary series.

Dr. Ashton said: “Opportunities like this are invaluable for our students. It’s one thing to learn in a lecture theatre, but being part of a real production allows them to develop skills, confidence and insight that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom.”

The series not only explores underrepresented communities and cultures but also highlights themes of identity, belonging and human connection. The collaboration showcases the University of Warwick’s commitment to supporting creative talent and providing students with opportunities that bridge the gap between education and industry.

Asra Hussain added: “This journey started as something very personal, as I was trying to understand a part of my identity I hadn’t explored. To now be working with students and professionals to bring these stories to a wider audience is incredibly meaningful.”

'Discovering the Forgotten Half' has released as a multi-episode series, with stories ranging from remote mountain communities to coastal regions rarely seen by the outside world.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

Ann Baylis, Media and Communications Officer

ann.baylis@warwick.ac.uk | 07425 722087

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30.4.2026