Danait Yallow, Mia Frank, and Amelia Benjamin have launched their own web series, 'Higher Learning', to address the lack of diverse representation in coming-of-age television shows. The series, which follows Zara, a character of colour starting university outside London, premieres on July 20 across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Why They Created the Series
Mia Frank explained the motivation: 'It always comes down to not feeling completely seen or represented. When you don't have somebody who looks like you or who has gone through similar life experiences to you, it's very difficult to invest time and energy into that show, or that film.' The creators, who previously collaborated on the film 'When The Sun Goes Down', decided to bypass traditional broadcasters after facing barriers. Danait Yallow stated: 'We just got tired of asking for permission, asking and begging to be seen and heard.'
Authenticity Over Broad Appeal
Danait, who wrote the series, emphasised the importance of authentic storytelling: 'I think that there is a hesitancy amongst TV execs or commissioners that perhaps something is too niche, or only a certain community will get this, so it's not really relatable to a wider group. But I actually think the opposite is the case. The more authentic you are, the more you cater to your niche.' She argued that this approach yields 'universal themes that bleed through' and urged creators to 'stop trying to be everything for everybody because it's just going to feel empty.'
University Experiences of People of Colour
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, white students accounted for 68% of all students in higher education in 2024/25. Both women reflected on how their cultural backgrounds shaped their university experiences. Danait said: 'From my perspective and a lot of people of colour's perspective, when you go to university, you go with the expectations of your family and the understanding of the gravity of the opportunity you've been given.' She added that as women, there is additional 'pressure to do what your family expect of you' and that 'you sometimes forget that you are also at university to live for yourself, to grow for yourself, to make mistakes.'
The Character Zara
Zara, the protagonist, navigates these expectations while trying to find her own path. Danait described her: 'She's from a very sheltered home, so it's about her coming to terms with her new environment, meeting new people and finding her feet in her first day.' Mia noted: 'Our goal has always been to offer people who've never felt that representation or relatability on screen, somebody to latch onto and see themselves in.'
Platform and Distribution
Without broadcaster backing, the trio published the series on social media platforms where microdramas are trending. Mia shared her own university experience: 'I have a very tight-knit community and am very close to my family, and my culture is very important to me. And when you go to university, and you're around people who maybe don't understand that or can't relate to you, it can be difficult.' She eventually found her community, and the creators hope 'Higher Learning' can help others understand diverse perspectives and form cohesive bonds.
