We were delighted to welcome back Old Cranbrookian Sophia Nasif (Class of 2012) to Cranbrook School last week. As a multimedia artist, visual storyteller and advocate for cultural preservation, Sophia shared her experiences and insights with two of our budding creatives, Emilie (photographer) and Alannah (journalist), both in Year 12.

Sophia holds a BA (Hons) in Illustration & Animation from Kingston School of Art and an MA in Photojournalism & Documentary Practice at the University of the Arts London. Recently, she has also accepted a PhD offer in Visual Anthropology, where she will research the preservation of the cultural heritage of island nations in the face of the climate emergency. This work reflects her deep commitment to combining storytelling with environmental and cultural advocacy.

One of Sophia’s notable projects, Magey Raajje Nethidhanee (My Homeland Fades Away), explores the impact of climate change on her homeland, the Maldives. Through innovative photographic techniques, the project conveys the emotional and cultural loss associated with rising sea levels. Sophia is now preparing to spend six months in the Maldives working on a documentary that delves deeper into these themes.

In addition to her artistic work, Sophia has contributed to numerous initiatives:

• Curation: She curated the Stories To Tell: Through Our Eyes exhibition at the University of the Arts London, which showcased works by students of South Asian heritage.
• Advocacy: As the London College of Communication Officer at Arts Students' Union, she presented evidence at Parliament regarding student housing issues, representing London students, postgraduates and students with caring duties.
• Social Justice: Sophia has been involved in panels and workshops on topics such as queer minority liberation and the cost of living crisis.

During her visit to Cranbrook School, Sophia also offered Emilie the opportunity to take part in online mentoring and skills sessions to help her develop her craft as a photographer. Emilie and Alannah both had the invaluable opportunity to engage with Sophia, gaining insights into the world of multimedia storytelling and the importance of addressing pressing global issues through art and journalism. We are confident this interaction will inspire them to pursue their creative ambitions.

Sophia’s dedication to storytelling and advocacy continues to make her a source of inspiration for our students and the wider community. We wish her every success as she embarks on her PhD and her upcoming documentary work.

We always welcome visits from our OC community, so if you would like to share your story please do email us. Students find these sessions especially helpful.

To learn more about Sophia and her projects, visit her website: sophianasif.com. Additionally, you can watch her short film, Magey Raajje Nethidhanee, below: