About us
A different approach to storytelling.
Breaking Barriers was founded in 2019 by Artistic Director Parvez Qadir, an award-winning writer, director and creative practitioner with a passion for discovering and amplifying authentic voices, whilst breaking barriers to entry.
With more than 20 years of experience writing, producing and directing critically recognised short films, Parvez has always been driven by a simple belief: that some of the most powerful stories exist within communities but often go unheard.
Breaking Barriers was created to do exactly what the name suggests, open doors, create opportunities and ensure that talented voices from all backgrounds have the chance to be heard.
Today, Breaking Barriers works across multiple creative forms including theatre, film, audio, animation and immersive storytelling, creating ambitious projects rooted in real communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to amplify unheard voices and champion underrepresented communities by exploring and telling the stories of local people and places. As disrupters and problem solvers, we seek to build expectations for our communities that honour the rights they have as citizens.
As a training ground for homegrown producers, sound designers, filmmakers, photographers and creatives from diverse backgrounds, our goal is to create ambitious, high-quality work with communities – equipping people with the tools, platforms and confidence to shape how their stories, identities and neighbourhoods are seen and understood. Through this, we aim to inspire positive action, social change, and both individual and collective ambition.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where storytelling begins on the doorstep, is rooted in diverse communities and lived experience, and grows into extraordinary artworks and immersive experiences that open minds, expand horizons and inspire ambition beyond socio-economic barriers.
We envision a creative sector and a society where everyone has the opportunity to be heard, where stories from all backgrounds are valued, and where cultural experiences are shaped by equity, access and belonging – inspiring the next generation to become confident, creative leaders of the future.
We bring local communities and international artists into the same room. What comes out is ambitious, sometimes uncomfortable, always honest. And it belongs to the town it came from.
Some voices don’t get a platform. Not because they’ve nothing to say, but because nobody’s built them one.
That’s the gap we work in. We create artwork and immersive experiences that put those voices in front of audiences who might never have gone looking for them
Projects
Talents
Audience Reached
Schools Reached
Encouraging Talents
