Hi everyone, my name is Bushra Jabeen and I am currently a Junior at Habib University, Karachi Pakistan. I am majoring in Communication and Design and my focus is Filmmaking. I have been granted the opportunity to study abroad for a Summer Semester at the University of California Berkeley on 75% scholarship. Getting selected for this opportunity was not easy. From hundreds of students who apply for the program from different majors, the university based on academics, meta-curricular, soft skills and interview performance only select top 7 students to represent HU and Pakistan at an international University.
As we grow older, we tend to dream less and become more realist as we become aware of our circumstances. After finishing my high-school I knew if it is not for a 100% scholarship I won't be able to study in a private college for my undergraduate studies. Hence, I worked tirelessly to get into one of the top Liberal Arts Universities in Pakistan, Habib University. And I got in through Talent Outreach Program. However, even after getting into HU I was aware that I had to be frugal with money, hence, I used to shut down any potential opportunities, if it would cost the slightest financial strain.
I had a full opportunity to apply for this Program last year and to many other conferences I am eligible for but I only saw them as a financial burden that I could not afford my mother. But over the year, I strengthen my passion and gathered the courage to apply for the program without thinking about the financial constraints as it is secondary. And fortunately, I got in with a huge amount of scholarship. However, it is still not possible for me to pay the rest of 25% and if I won't be able to collect the amount, I will have to let go of this great opportunity.
For me, this is once in a lifetime opportunity because I am highly passionate about becoming a cinematographer, and UC Berkeley is a very unique platform that provides such an opportunity. Berkeley's film department is one of the most renowned in the USA with esteemed film faculty and great learning opportunities. Being able to interact and exchange knowledge of contemporary filmmaking with professors and other students will allow me to produce work that is informed of all the technicalities and creativities that a good film must have. I plan to participate in the festivals and workshops regarding film at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Apart from the institution itself, the environment around it provides intensive opportunity to learn and engage in film-related activities. Such as a number of great Film Festivals take place in Bay Area, namely, LaborFest, MadCat Women’s Film Festival, San Francisco Silent Film Festival and more. These film festivals display the greatest films that contemporary filmmakers produce, and attending them will allow me to critically engage in the topics these festivals explore and with the culture of such festivals. Taking inspiration from these films I will be able to produce critical work in future and contribute towards the Pakistani film industry in a much effective way.
In Pakistan, women hardly choose to go in the field of filmmaking mainly due to our culture which expects women to marry at a certain age, stay at home, or does not go in fields that are dominated by men in general. However, we have enormous talented women in Pakistan who have broken the boundaries and work in the field of filmmaking such as Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Mehreen Jabbar, Sabiha Sumar, Haya Fatima Iqbal and few others. But when it comes to cinematography we only have Nausheen Dadabhoy who is currently the only female cinematographer of Pakistan. Moreover, according to the Washington Post, even in the field of film cinematography includes the least number of women. Hence, being an aspiring female cinematographer it is very important for me to gain as much exposure and knowledge I can in the field in order to produce the work that challenges the stereotype of women avoiding the technical fields. My learning from UC Berkeley will polish my skills and allow me to help my fellow peers interested in the same field to be benefited from my knowledge.
Total cost of the Program is USD 12,000 including my personal expenses.
• Subsidized tuition Fee: $3,300
• Registration fee: $450
• International Service Fee: $330
• Document Management Fee: $58
• Housing and meal plan: $3,080 + $637 = $3717
• International House (Application + Linen Fee): $130
• Housing Fee: $35
• Health Insurance: $150
• Books and Supplies (estimated): $350
• Round Trip Karachi-Us Airfare (estimated): $1,500
• F1 visa fee + SEVIS fee: $380
• Airport Transfer: $100
• Personal expenses (Not covered in the scholarship): $1,500
Total Program Cost: $12,000
Covered by Scholarship: $7875
Need to raise: $4125
You can contribute ANY AMOUNT that can help me in fulfilling my dream! Even $10! Each dollar counts ❣
If you need more information or contact me for any queries please contact me at bj20290@st.habib.edu.pk