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Mudland 2024: A Year of Global Impact and Milestones
As we reflect on 2024, Mudland Studio celebrates a year filled with growth, international collaborations, and impactful storytelling. Here are some of the highlights that showcase the strides we’ve made toward amplifying marginalized voices, advocating for justice, and driving systemic change.
A Vibrant Community Screening in London
- • We began the year with a special screening of our Democracy Lab’s Civil Rights film, Letter to Shaheen Bagh, at ActOne Cinema in West London. This community-focused venue provided the perfect space to spark conversations on social movements and civil liberties, with a diverse and engaged audience joining us to explore the power of collective action.

Highlighting Climate Justice: Marginalization of the Bakarwal Tribe
- • As part of our Climate Lab, we launched a multimedia storytelling project spotlighting the plight of the Bakarwal tribe in the Himalayas. This Indigenous nomadic community faces mounting challenges due to environmental degradation, forced displacement, and the impacts of climate change. By weaving together personal narratives and compelling visuals, this project amplified the tribe’s resilience and brought much-needed attention to the intersection of Indigenous rights and climate justice. The story was featured at global forums, underscoring the urgent need for culturally inclusive climate solutions.

Recognition for Democracy Lab’s Refugee Rights Work
Our film Wednesday in Camp Rohingya, part of the Democracy Lab’s Refugee Rights section, achieved significant international recognition. It was:
- • Nominated for the Septimus Awards in Amsterdam
- • Screened at the B3 Biennial of the Moving Image 2024 in Frankfurt, under the Democracy in Focus theme
- • Exhibited at the Global Artivism Conference in Tshwane, South Africa, a powerful platform spotlighting art as a tool for activism
These opportunities allowed the film to spark critical discussions on refugee narratives, systemic inequities, and the urgent need for global solidarity.

Cinema Without Borders: Movies That Matter 2024
- • Mudland had the privilege of participating in the Cinema Without Borders programme, a vital initiative as part of Movies That Matter 2024 in The Hague, Neherlands. This platform provided an opportunity to engage with filmmakers, activists, and global changemakers, exploring how films can be a transformative tool for advocacy and systemic change.

Leadership and Advocacy Across Borders
Mudland expanded its reach through participation in global leadership initiatives:
- • At the Responsible Leadership Workshop by BMW Foundation in Spain, we contributed to dialogues on migration and while reimagining 'Responsible Leaderirship' as part of the Migration Impact Network at PLACE.

- • In Marrakech, we participated in the Global Cultural Relations Program, connecting with outstanding global practitioners to exchange strategies on mobilizing cultural advocacy for systemic change.

Advocating for Culture at COP29
- • This year, we participated in COP29, with support of Julie’s Bicycle and the European Cultural Foundation to advocate for putting culture at the center of climate decision-making. Our presence at COP29 reaffirmed our commitment to bridging culture and climate justice, ensuring that creative voices are integral to addressing global environmental challenges.

Climate Justice Advocacy in the Music Industry
- • As part of ADE Green 2024, Mudland curated a panel and workshop advocating for climate justice in the music space, hosted during Amsterdam Dance Event, the world’s largest electronic music festival. With an incredible response and participation, we emphasized the transformative power of the music industry in mobilizing climate justice.

A Milestone Recognition: Bloom’s Social Impact 30Under30
- • This year, our founder, Syed Jazib Ali, was featured on Bloom’s Social Impact 30 Under 30 list. This recognition is a testament to Mudland’s growing global footprint and the meaningful change we’re driving through our work. While Mudland is still young, the ripples we are creating are already reaching far corners of the world.

As we look back on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the partnerships, platforms, and people who have supported our mission. Mudland remains committed to amplifying marginalized voices and building a fairer, more sustainable future—one story at a time.
Here’s to continuing this journey of impact in 2025 and beyond!