Hussain

So we've got an interview planned with Hussain Currimbhoy of Sheffield Doc Fest on Monday. Myself and Dan are going to spend today coming up with some questions to ask him about his role at the festival. Anything we come up with I'll post below.

How long have you been working for Sheffield Doc Fest?

What are the key things you look for when you choose the films for the festival?

How long has the Sheffield Doc Fest been running and how would you say it's changed since it began/since you started?

How much of your time is spent publicising the event both in the local area and on a wider scale to reach directors and film makers from further afield?

I've heard that the doc fest has had a few screenings in other cities, Newcastle and Bristol for example. Is this going on at the moment and what has the reaction and reception to these events been?

How difficult is it to reach audience and film makers alike from further afield than Sheffield?

How many of the films you showcase each year go on to launch the careers of those involved?

I've heard about the Meet Market event that is held each year. Could you just tell us a little bit about it?

To what extent do you think the Meet Market helps film makers who might be struggling to get their film idea realised by helping them to find the funds?

Do you get many films put forward made by recently graduated students from media related degrees?

Could you tell us a little about the volunteer system for the festival, how many students from Hallam you get and your views on how rewarding that level of work experience can be for them?

I'd like to ask you a bit about your background in the industry, where did you start?

With more people doing media and film related courses now than there are jobs available in the industry, do you think universities are setting students up for disappointment?

What are your tips on how to stand out among the crowd of people with similar qualifications competing for the same jobs in the industry?

How difficult did you find it to get into film making? (I read that you have been involved with at least half a dozen productions)

How vital would you say unpaid work experience positions like the ones you at the Doc Fest offer are to young film makers such as ourselves to standing out to employers?

I watched a film at the festival last year, 1 Day, about gangs in Birmingham. At the Q&A after the screening the director talked about how she approached the young people of Birmingham with no previous experience and enlisted them as cast. Have you heard of any other similar opportunities in recent years for aspiring film makers in Sheffield?

We spoke to your colleague Tom Gatis who said it is a very small percentage of his former university course mates who are now actually practising film making despite all graduating with degrees. Can you offer any tips for people in their final year wondering where to start with moving into the industry?

Have you heard of any success stories of former students in the area?

How much has your area of work changed in terms of size and available positions at production companies and film festivals alike in the last 5 or 10 years?

Do you think the recession has badly effected young film makers chances of getting a job after they graduate? For instance, do you know of many production companies or offices that have been forced to downsize?

With companies working out of Sheffield itself, thinking of Warp in particular, how important do you think the culture and effect of films made locally, such as Dead Man's Shoes and This is England is for publicity, reputation and industry growth in the area? Especially for future generations of graduates hoping for media jobs?

The Full Monty showed the British public just how much Sheffield had changed since the height of the steel industry in the 70s, obviously Sheffield's going through a fantastic time for regeneration at the moment.

I know the film was released before you moved here but do you think films like that that reach the whole country change peoples' views of those in the industry?

Do you think films like The Full Monty help to raise awareness locally that the media industry can be a great force for good?

A lot of older people hold the view that media students come to University for a good time and that they're lazy and should get a proper job. What is needed for this stereotype to be shaken off?