A Leap of Faith started as a university project with a simple premise: follow someone from the rock music society as they get ready for a society event. What it turned into was something deeper. A documentary about identity, community, and being comfortable in your own skin.
I directed, edited, and operated camera on the film, but it was very much a team effort from start to finish. This is a look back at how it came together, and what we learned in the process.
Finding the Subject
Faith was an obvious choice from the beginning. She’s president of the university’s rock society, outspoken, energetic, and fully herself. She's not just part of the scene; she lives it.
She didn’t just talk about music. She talked about being judged for how she looks, the pressure to tone it down, and how finding the right community helped her navigate mental health struggles. That honesty gave the film a direction none of us expected when we first started.
Shaping the Story
Originally, we imagined a simple observational piece, just following Faith as she gets ready. But as we spent time with her, it became clear that the event was just the frame. The real story was about self-expression and finding belonging.
The Makeup Scene
As Faith does her makeup, she talks about what drew her into alternative culture. We paired the visuals and topic deliberately. Her routine isn’t just about appearance, it’s about identity. In a way, she’s not just getting ready for a night out, she’s putting on the culture that empowers her.
The Bridge and the Beach
One of my favourite creative choices in the film is the transition between the bridge and the beach.
We follow Faith walking alone to the event, the pace slower, the sound minimal. As she crosses the bridge, we fade into to a dreamlike scene on a beach. It’s a symbolic space where she speaks openly about her past and her struggles. The things she usually keeps quiet.
We follow Faith walking alone to the event, the pace slower, the sound minimal. As she crosses the bridge, we fade into to a dreamlike scene on a beach. It’s a symbolic space where she speaks openly about her past and her struggles. The things she usually keeps quiet.
Then, we cut back to reality, back to the bridge, where she meets her friends, and the tempo shifts. It’s a subtle turning point: a visual and emotional cue that shows how finding her community changed everything.
Working as a Team
Even though I took on direction and editing, the film wouldn’t exist without the rest of the crew. Co-directing with Veronica helped strike the right tone, and everyone, from sound to colour grading, played a vital part in shaping the final piece.
We filmed over a few days at Faith’s house, on the streets, and at the society event. Some of the best moments came from just letting things unfold naturally.
Music Choice
We used “Chase the Time” by Concrete Fern, a band made up of members from the rock society. It wasn’t just a perfect fit musically; it felt right emotionally. The song came from the same community the film is about, which helped tie everything together with a sense of authenticity.
Looking Back
There is always footage you wish could stay in, conversations, side moments, things that add flavour. But part of the editing process is knowing what to leave out. The goal was to keep the film honest, coherent, and emotionally clear.
A Leap of Faith didn’t need to be over-explained or overproduced. Faith’s voice did the heavy lifting. The story is about style and self-expression, but more than that, it’s about being seen and accepted for who you are.
It started as a uni project. It ended up being something we were all genuinely proud of.