A COLLEGE student’s work has been chosen to feature on a tourist website to attract people to visit South Africa.

Pre-degree student Aaron Dunleavy said studying at Blackburn College has allowed him to see the world through his camera lens.

Over three years of study, the 19-year-old from Darwen has developed a passion for filmmaking and put his skills to the test outside of the classroom, on international trips to Africa, Kenya and Cape Town.

And it was a once-in-a-lifetime project completed in Cape Town that cemented the UAL foundation diploma in art and design dreams of working in the television and film industry.

Now part of his work can be viewed on the Discover South Africa website which encourages people to visit the country.

He said: “I’ve been on three international trips with Blackburn College and had incredible opportunities to film a range of wildlife, landmarks and tribal villages. One of the most exhilarating experiences was shooting a pack of 18 hungry african wild dogs whilst they hunted and made a kill.”

In September 2012 he went to Cape Town.

He said: “I was faced with the challenge of making a film about this stunningly breathtaking city, which has been built upon the harrowing history of segregation and slavery. I had to capture the essence of its strong multicultural society in today's post apartheid world.

“I wanted to make a series of short documentaries about the people, culture and history of the city and show just what made it such a vibrant and colourful place.

“Whilst I was out there I independently organised interviews with a range of people and conducted professional video shoots without tutor guidance.

“It was an incredible experience and extremely challenging at times but so rewarding that I truly believe the experience has taught me so much and has confirmed my passion for filmmaking which I want to pursue as a future career.”

To see Aaron’s film visit http://discoversouthafrica.com.au/.