Nyal Mueenuddin, a recent graduate from the University of the West of England (UWE), has made headlines by winning a prestigious BAFTA Student Award for his impactful documentary, “When the Floods Come.” This recognition highlights the talent emerging from UWE Bristol’s Wildlife Filmmaking course, which Mueenuddin completed earlier this year.
The documentary focuses on the devastating effects of the 2022 floods in Pakistan, particularly along the River Indus. Mueenuddin’s film stands out as it captures the personal stories of those affected by this natural disaster, providing a human perspective often missing in mainstream media coverage. His work was selected from a staggering 800 submissions from 109 schools across 37 countries, showcasing the global competition he faced.
Growing up in South Punjab, Mueenuddin has a deep connection to the region. He recalls his childhood fondly, with his village located just 30 kilometers from the Indus River. However, the catastrophic floods of 2022 changed everything. “I had this beautiful childhood in that place,” he reflects. “But during the floods, I noticed that international media only reported the broad strokes—how many people were killed or displaced—without humanizing the situation.” He felt compelled to tell the stories behind the statistics, to illustrate the emotional toll of such disasters.
His documentary aims to bridge that gap. “I wanted to return to Pakistan and ask simple but fundamental questions about the human experience during such crises,” he explains. Mueenuddin’s goal was to highlight the personal testimonies of those impacted, emphasizing the emotional weight of losing loved ones and the dreams of a better future.
Receiving the news of his BAFTA nomination while filming at the base camp of Nanga Parbat in northern Pakistan was a surreal experience for Mueenuddin. “I was already planning my concession speech,” he admits, “but when they announced ‘When the Floods Come,’ I was stunned.” The emotional impact of winning the award was profound for him, as it validated the importance of storytelling that prioritizes empathy and compassion.
Jacqueline Butler, Dean and Head of the School of Arts at UWE Bristol, praised Mueenuddin’s achievement, stating, “Nyal’s film is truly extraordinary and tells an incredibly powerful story. Winning this award among such a talented group of global filmmakers is something he should be very proud of.” This recognition not only highlights Mueenuddin’s talent but also underscores the quality of education and support provided by UWE Bristol.
Mueenuddin credits the creative environment in Bristol for his success. “It’s such a hub for collaboration and sharing ideas,” he says. “I don’t know if I could imagine a better place for filmmaking.” His experience at UWE has left a lasting impression, and he expresses gratitude for the opportunities it has provided him.
As Mueenuddin embarks on the next chapter of his career, he is setting up a production company in Pakistan. His aim is to continue telling stories that reflect the rich cultural and environmental diversity of his homeland. “I hope to create a platform for more voices to be heard,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and change.
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, Mueenuddin’s work serves as a reminder of the human stories behind the statistics. His documentary not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those in Pakistan but also calls for empathy and action from a global audience. “I hope that by sharing these intimate stories, we can touch the remaining threads of humanity within those who hold the power to make changes,” he concludes.
As the film industry continues to evolve, Mueenuddin’s success at the BAFTA Student Awards is a testament to the power of storytelling. His journey from a UWE graduate to an award-winning filmmaker is an inspiration for aspiring creatives everywhere, proving that with passion and dedication, impactful narratives can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.
Source: UWE Bristol, BBC News
