BBC Fresh Profile: Nada Abdulla

Nada Abdulla is a PhD student in visual anthropology and specialises in making ethnographic films.

Nada Abdulla’s film Hijabi Girls profiles designer Barjis Chohan, who believes women who wear the hijab should be able to dress stylishly.

How/why did you get started in documentary film-making?

I'm interested in visual representation of people, ideas and issues. I'm a student in visual anthropology and making ethnographic films will be a tool that will accompany me in every research I conduct. I want to communicate anthropological research to a wider audience and documentary films will make that possible.

Why did you pick this subject for Fresh?

Fresh wants to show topics that young British are interested in and in the UK Muslims make the second largest religious group after Christianity. According to the UK office of National Statistics there are 2.7 million Muslims in the UK out of which 48% are women.

The issue of finding modest clothing that are stylish and don't look cheap for women of all ages regardless of their beliefs is significant. So, I believe that seeing a British Muslim woman speak of fashion and clothing will not only show Muslim women in a different light but also encourage fresh minds to further explore and/or challenge the idea of modesty and fashion.

What motivated you to make this film?

The many questions I used to get about my head cover and beliefs made me consider making a short film that can explore this in a different way. Also, getting to know Barjis, who is a high end fashion designer for modest clothing, inspired me to further explore the notion of modesty and fashion through her eyes and her intellectual take on Islam and fashion.

What camera did you use to shoot your film?

Mainly the Sony EX3 was used to shoot the documentary but also few scenes were shot using the iPhone.

Who/what inspires you?

My inspiration comes from a number of sources. My main inspiration is God then my parents, Imam Hussein and people who put their heart in anything and everything they do.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to finish my PhD and start making anthropological films for TV. Also, I want to establish a Visual Anthropology research centre in Yemen that can facilitate visual and ethnographic research in the Middle East.

What is the most important thing you have learned so far?

Nothing beats experience and we can also acquire them by turning every interaction we have with people as an opportunity to learn something new and know about lives that we did get to live.