BCU welcomed acclaimed filmmaker Gurinder Chadha OBE, the visionary director behind Bend It Like Beckham and the upcoming festive musical Christmas Karma, for an exclusive masterclass with Media, Film, and Journalism students.
Learning from a leading filmmaker
During the masterclass, students explored Chadha’s creative journey and got an insider look at her filmmaking process, from developing ideas to bringing stories to life on screen. She encouraged students to be brave, curious, and authentic in their storytelling, advice that resonated strongly with those starting out in the media industry.
Student opportunities in action
For many students, the highlight of the day was practical, hands-on experience. Some were chosen to interview Gurinder herself, giving them a taste of real-world reporting and presentation skills, while also seeing firsthand what goes into making a major feature film. Other students had the opportunity to record the interview in our studios, with the studio gallery looking after the sound and vision mixing.
Students reflected on the experience: being able to interview Gurinder, and later attend the film’s premiere, which strengthened their media skills but also made the creative process feel achievable. Watching the film after learning about the behind-the-scenes work created a sense of connection and inspiration that’s hard to replicate in a classroom.
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Inspired by industry insights
Students also got a sneak peek into Chadha’s new film, Christmas Karma, which hits cinemas on 14 November 2025, featuring cast including Kunal Nayyar, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, Boy George, Pixie Lott, Danny Dyer, and Hugh Bonneville. She also hinted at a possible sequel to Bend It Like Beckham, showing how trends and cultural moments, such as the Lionesses winning the Women's Euro 2025 tournament, can shape storytelling opportunities.
Why it matters for media students
Events like this give BCU students the experience to build skills, gain confidence, and connect with leading industry professionals. For students beginning their creative journeys, having access to industry insight, practical experience, and inspiration from someone like Gurinder Chadha is truly invaluable, leaving them motivated to explore their own stories and careers in media.