The visit is part of an ongoing collaborative work between the two artists.

Joe Njagu was the recipient of the Best Director's Award at the International American Film Festival in 2012 for his acclaimed feature film The Gentleman.

Mr Njagu and Dr Piotrowska are currently working on an edit of an experimental drama documentary shot earlier this year in Zimbabwe and connected to the play which Dr Piotrowska produced and directed for the Harare International Festival of the Arts in May 2014.

The play entitled Lovers in Time, was written by Blessing Hungwe, and was named the ‘most controversial production’ during the festival.   Dr Piotrowska said:

“Joe Njagu was both my co-producer and the Director of Photography during the shoot of the film which is now in post production.

“It is very exciting to continue this collaboration beyond the experience of the shoot in Zimbabwe and it is wonderful to be able to host Joe here in the UK. His input to the film is invaluable.”

Mr Njagu added: “I am delighted to be able to assist Agnieszka with the edit of this exciting film.  She and I are developing other projects too with a number of collaborators in Zimbabwe and in Europe.”

The work of Dr Piotrowska and Mr Njagu is an example of the University's commitment to enabling international collaborations. Dr Piotrowska is the Course Leader for the MA in Creative Digital Film Production and MSc in Digital Production and Technology. She is also the Reader in Film Practice and Theory at the Media Arts and Production Department at the University.

“We are committed to giving our undergraduate and postgraduate students the best possible opportunities in terms of their employment and career outlook,” said Dr Piotrowska.

One example is Tendai Mudhliwa, a recent graduate of the Faculty. Tendai, who is from Zimbabwe, is premiering her first feature film at the University this Saturday 23 August. Maria’s Vision, is about a Zimbabwean living in Luton, who has to drop her principals and integrity in the face of difficult situations.

For further information about the screening please visit www.mariasvision.wix.com/movie

Notes to Editors:

• 1. The University of Bedfordshire (www.beds.ac.uk) is the largest higher education institution in the county, providing excellent opportunities for more people to access top quality higher education. We aim to create a vibrant multi-cultural learning community enabling people to transform their lives by participating in excellent, innovative education, scholarship and research.
• 2. The University of Bedfordshire has over 24,000 students, representing over 100 countries. Around 35% of students are aged over 25 and about three-quarters of students receive financial support from the university.  Between 2006 and 2013 over £180 million has been invested in new facilities at the university, which contributes approximately £300 million annually to the local economy.
• 3. For further information, or to receive University of Bedfordshire press releases on a regular basis, please contact: press.office@beds.ac.uk; 01582 489399.  Follow us on Twitter: @uobnews