Ambitious filmmaker from Fulham celebrates the completion of his first project


Shyam Doonga behind his vintage Super 16mm film camera

Thirty year old Shyam Doonga, from neighbouring Fulham, directed, produced and wrote the screenplay for Honours in Attendance. The film’s storyline explores the emotional strife of two university students having to complete their studies whilst living at home – which proves anything other than idyllic.

Featuring locations in Fulham, Putney, Hackney, the City and Tower Hamlets and Chelsea, Honours in Attendance was shot on a highly scarce and specially sourced vintage Super 16mm film camera. The film cost over £10,000 to make and is set to feature at upcoming film festivals.



Shyam, pictured above, said, “I think Honours in Attendance is hard-hitting and quite unlike other films depicting student life. I wanted my film to convey the sometimes extreme isolation and apathy ‘live-at-home’ students experience whilst trying to complete their studies, plus the difficulties they may have in sustaining relationships.”

Shyam added, “Many new filmmakers usually make short films and often never get to make a full-length movie. I wanted to buck that trend and hope Honours in Attendance grabs the attention of the film industry, especially after it is shown at film festivals.

“Working on Honours in Attendance has taught me so much about the filmmaking process. I really wanted my film to look visually striking and the use of old school 16mm film helped me achieve textures and colours that you simply cannot get using modern digital cameras.”


Ish Norris - Linkedin

Co-producer, Ish Norris, 30, who calso starred in Honours in Attendance said: “As a first time director Shyam has produced an interesting and topical film. Students are under a huge amount of emotional and financial pressure to attain a good education and to fulfil the expectations of their families. Shyam’s film definitely captures the alternative university experience of live-at-home students.”

Shyam and creative partner, Ish, have formed their own film production company, Blue Spectre Film. Honours in Attendance is Blue Spectre Film’s first film release, they are already working on
their next project, a London spy thriller.

December 7, 2018