Bashir Aden

Cinema and Television Directing, MFA

Originally from Milwaukee, WI, I have always had a deep passion for cinema and storytelling. From a young age, I recognized that film was one of the only visual mediums that can highlight the idiosyncratic nuances of human life. This interest in movies quickly developed into a life passion to bring the stories that I write and cultivate to the big screen.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU WERE DOING BEFORE YOU CAME TO COLUMBIA.

Before coming to Columbia, I earned my undergraduate degree in Journalism & Film/TV at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In that space, I was able to evolve as a visual storyteller and find the personal themes/experiences I bring to each project. I was given the tools to set myself on the career path that I ultimately aim for in my life.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE COLUMBIA FOR YOUR GRADUATE STUDY?

As an aspiring filmmaker, I knew that the Cinema & Television Arts department was the best place to grow creatively & technically in the art of filmmaking. I knew that the school was full of diverse and greatly talented students, staff and alumni that would give me the perfect opportunity/resources to learn as an individual and collaborator.

TELL US ABOUT A PROJECT YOU’RE WORKING ON THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT.

Currently, I am in pre-production for my comedic short film, TRUE STORY, which will be shooting in November. The story is personal and explores themes of luck and materialism, as well as a critique of the capitalist system.