Jagraj Singh

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JAGRAJ SINGH

I’m a filmmaker and cinematographer based in Sheffield, working with moving images as a way to explore culture, identity, and belonging.My creative journey began with a desire to tell stories that often sit quietly at the edges — stories shaped by heritage, lived experience, and human resilience. I’m particularly drawn to visual storytelling that feels cinematic yet intimate, where light, framing, and atmosphere carry as much meaning as dialogue.In 2024, I directed and edited my debut short film poem Mistaken Identity, a deeply personal project exploring Sikh identity and cultural misidentification. The film was created in collaboration with my mother and became a foundational moment in shaping both my creative voice and my commitment to meaningful storytelling. The project went on to screen across community and academic spaces and opened conversations around representation, faith, and visibility.Alongside directing and editing, I’ve worked across multiple short films and screen projects in roles including cinematographer, gaffer, 2nd assistant camera, and spark trainee. This hands-on experience across departments has given me a practical understanding of filmmaking on set — from lighting and camera movement to collaboration and workflow.My training includes participation in the NFTS Film Academy (in partnership with Disney) and completion of the BFI Film Programming course, allowing me to develop both my craft as a filmmaker and my understanding of audiences, curation, and film culture. I’ve also contributed to the industry through festival photography and film crew volunteering, including work with Sheffield Doc/Fest.Visually, I’m inspired by filmmakers and cinematographers who use mood, shadow, and restraint to tell powerful stories — drawing influence from the work of Greig Fraser, Lawrence Sher, and Roger Deakins. I’m particularly interested in how visual language can communicate emotion, tension, and identity without overt explanation.I’m also a co-founder of Turban Lens Community Cinema, a grassroots initiative rooted in creating shared cultural spaces through film. The project reflects my wider interest in cinema not just as an art form, but as a tool for connection, dialogue, and belonging.At the heart of everything I do is a belief that filmmaking is not just about what we show on screen, but how it makes people feel seen.I’m open to collaborations, freelance opportunities, and conversations around film, cinematography, and community-driven storytelling.