Nandita Ramlakhan (the Netherlands)

Educational background

I have a BA in English Language and Culture from Leiden University.

Why Film Studies?

During my Bachelor’s I took several courses dealing with film and theatre, two subjects that have always interested me and which I wished to specialise in within a Master’s programme. After weighing up all my options, I eventually decided to do the Master’s in Film Studies at the UvA because of the content and overall quality of the programme. 

Has the programme met your expectations?

It has. I am really happy with my decision to take part in the programme, especially because it has given me a profound insight into a subject field which I have always found immensely interesting and wanted to learn more about. For example, the programme offers courses in film theory and film practice, whereby films are analysed with an emphasis on theoretical, historical and practical developments. Although the programme is academically grounded, the knowledge it imparts is really useful and can be applied more generally in an everyday setting. An example of this is the elective course Film and Religion, which – as the name indicates – explores religious motifs in cinema and illustrates the manner in which religion is applied within a film, its overall impact on the storyline and also on the viewing public in general. One such film is the Wachowski brothers’ film The Matrix, in which the central character Neo is portrayed as a Christlike figure who is eventually crucified but ends up saving humanity.

Aside from learning to think conceptually about film and cinema, the programme also teaches one other important academic skills, such as writing, performing research and the ability to think analytically and creatively. In the programme students have to write a fair bit and not only examine films, but also do a lot of literary research. All of this helps hone a creative and critical mindset. 

Any other projects / extracurricular activities? 

When I’m not busy with my studies, which I am really involved in, I visit museums and festivals, and spend time with my friends. I also love to bake, cook, paint and read.

What do you think about the UvA / Amsterdam?

As opposed to my old alma mater, the University of Amsterdam is much bigger and the campus more spread out across the city. What I really like about the UvA is the intellectual ambience and the diversity of the student population, which consists of many different nationalities. I also appreciate the accessibility of the lecturers and the fact that you can always approach them with questions or issues related to the programme. Mention also needs to be made about the overall quality of the programme and the participating students. The fact that everyone is motivated and passionate about the subject matter is really inspiring.

As for Amsterdam, well to be honest it previously didn’t count among my favourite cities. I generally have a preference for small, intimate cities. Although if one compares it to other big metropolises, Amsterdam is relatively small, it is still a big city with a lot of people, which I didn’t like. However, since studying here I have come to appreciate certain things about Amsterdam, especially its architecture, esthetics and the many things it has to offer in a cultural and intellectual sense. As someone who is passionate about cinema, Amsterdam is the ideal place to visit museums (such as the EYE Film Museum) and cinematic festivals.  

Plans after graduating?

I definitely intend to pursue a career in film and media, and apply the knowledge I have acquired in the programme. What I would really like to do is organise film festivals and other cinematic events.

Tips for new students?

Make an effort to learn as much about film and cinema as possible. Read all the course material, be disciplined and remember to take part in debates. Also, don’t be afraid to approach the lecturers and ask questions about the subject matter. You’re here to learn, make the most of it!