Introduction
Metro Coffee is proud to have collaborated with final-year Filming students from the University of Westminster during the 2024–2025 academic year on a powerful short film project that brings together storytelling, social impact, and community engagement. Released on 29th February 2025, the film captures the heart of Metro Coffee’s mission and highlights how meaningful collaboration between education, business, and the local community can create lasting impact.
This project was delivered in partnership with We Network at the University of Westminster, giving students the opportunity to apply their creative and technical skills to a real-world brief while amplifying voices that are often underrepresented.
A Film Rooted in Real Stories
At the centre of the film is David, representing Metro Coffee, alongside the staff and volunteers who work daily in the coffee shop. Through a series of honest and engaging interviews, the film showcases the ethos of Metro Coffee, its inclusive culture, and its commitment to creating opportunities for everyone.
The film also features interviews with members involved in the local charity Uniting Friends, sharing how the collaboration between Metro Coffee and the charity began and how shared values led to the creation of something truly meaningful for the local community.
Celebrating Inclusion and Social Impact
A key focus of the film is Metro Coffee’s ongoing support for individuals with learning disabilities, High Functioning Autism, Down syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental and physical conditions.
Through authentic voices and lived experiences, the film demonstrates how Metro Coffee provides a supportive and empowering environment where individuals are valued, developed, and included.
A Real-World Learning Experience for Students
For the University of Westminster’s final-year Filming students, this collaboration offered invaluable hands-on experience. Working with a live organisation and a socially driven brief, students managed the full production process from pre-production planning through to filming, editing, and final delivery.
The project challenged students to balance creative storytelling with sensitivity, ethics, and responsibility.
Student Film Production Team
Director: Ieva Rugaiyte
Producer: Joana Gomes Pestana
Director of Photography (DOP): Marcel Demetrius
1st Assistant Camera (1st AC): Willem Flowerday
Sound Recordist: Poppy Payne
Editor: Chloe Hampson
University of Westminster & We Network Support
This project was supported by the University of Westminster and We Network.
Jennie Baptiste
Paul Dwyer
Sofiane Bouchelkia
Conclusion
The Metro Coffee and University of Westminster film collaboration during the 2024–2025 academic year stands as a powerful example of how creative education can drive social impact. By combining student talent, community partnership, and a shared commitment to inclusion, the project delivered more than a film—it told a story of opportunity, collaboration, and purpose.