Stepping 0utside the Classroom with "Ajar"

Ajar was a passion project that our film group at University was eager to bring to life independently, completely outside of any module or academic requirement. After months of waiting for the right timing and circumstances, we finally had the opportunity to shoot. What made the experience even more special was collaborating with friends and bringing in actor friends from overseas, resulting in a cast and crew entirely made up of our own close circle.

Since this was the first project I worked on that wasn’t tied to any university coursework, it has brought a new set of challenges.  Without the usual structure or any advice from tutors, I had to rely on my own initiative and intuition. When our main location pulled out at the last minute, I was responsible for finding a replacement within two weeks while also securing additional funding to cover the loss. It wasn’t easy, but with a strong team behind me and some focused location scouting, we managed to secure a new setting that perfectly fit the story. From setting up contracts and securing locations to confidently managing the crew, it was a real step out of my comfort zone, and I’m proud of how I handled it.

Beyond the logistical side, I also had the chance to contribute creatively by helping to shape the script, an area I really enjoyed exploring. Having a voice in the story development made me feel even more connected to the project as a whole.

Ajar was an incredible learning experience, and one that reminded me of why I love doing what I do.

-Eva Matzinger