A picture of journalist and filmmaker Aodhán Roberts — Who am I?

I’m a visual storyteller at heart - whether it's photography, videography or video editing. My journey into journalism and filmmaking started in my early teenage years, fueled by curiosity and a love for storytelling. Since then, I’ve grown an online community of over 40,000 followers, sharing everything from local stories, news and everyday life from around my hometown.
My work has taken me across Ireland and beyond, and I've had the privilege to direct award-winning short documentaries that delve deeper into the stories that mean the most to me.
Year after year, I’ve been steadily building my career, broadening my skill set, and discovering fresh ways to engage audiences. Each step forward has brought new growth, exciting projects, and unique perspectives.
Drawing on my technical skills and social media expertise, I also have the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients - businesses, charities, and individuals alike. I help them bring their vision to life, creating visual content that drives results by increasing conversion rates, generating leads and capturing attention. My approach is all about crafting impactful visuals that not only engage but also align with each client’s unique goals.
Telling stories through visuals is my job, passion and hobby. It’s my whole world.

Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges

I first discovered my love for visuals at a very young age. I always thought it was so interesting to see how some content could have such a strong emotional connection with people. I was very interested in graphic design, doing my work experience in IPrint which is a Derry family-run state-of-the-art design studio and print factory.
In secondary school, I was obsessed with technology. Writing didn’t come naturally to me back then because I struggled with dyslexia (and I’m more of a visual learner) so I leaned into my creativity, pushing myself to design innovative PowerPoints, posters, and all kinds of graphics for my coursework. My classmates and teachers started calling me the ‘computer whiz.’
After secondary school, I started studying Creative Media Production (Film and TV) at North West Regional College and graduated at the top of my class with top grades (D*D*D*).
Throughout education, nothing ever truly got easier. I endured a heartbreaking series of family losses within a matter of months - losing my mother, her partner, and my grandmother. My grandfather had passed before, and I’d grown up without my father. Not yet 18, I suddenly found myself without a legal guardian or financial stability. These experiences brought me to my lowest point, but I was determined not to let tragedy define me.

University and Royal Television Society

Emerging from a period of profound loss, I embarked on my Cinematic Arts BSc (Hons) journey at Ulster University, channelling my focus into refining the craft of storytelling and visual creation. Driven by a relentless commitment to excellence, I earned a consistent place on the Dean’s List, achieving over 70% each year - a testament to both my resilience and my dedication to mastering the cinematic arts.

Throughout my studies, I built a strong foundation in cinematic arts, advancing from core principles to complex techniques.

At the same time I started university, I was honoured to be selected as a Royal Television Society Bursary Scholar, joining a group of 39 scholars from 27 universities across the UK. The RTS provided me with annual financial support, a free membership with access to industry events, and an industry mentor. I also attend RTS mentoring and masterclass events in London every year where I continue to build my network of media professionals in Great Britain.

I also hold a Level 4 Award in Social Media and Digital Marketing through Belfast Metropolitan College.

I used the bad experiences in my life to make me a mentally, socially, emotionally and physically stronger person.

A picture of Aodhán Roberts — My work

I am currently working for Mediahuis UK, where I create and drive visual content for the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life.
I also still keep active on my social media pages when I can. My pages allow me to inform the local community of breaking news stories and share untold stories that deserve greater attention.
Some of my notable documentary work began early in my journey, with the release of *Impairment* in 2019, a short film aimed at raising awareness about the persistent issue of drunk driving. In 2020, I followed up with *Overcoming Adversity as a Community*, which highlights the unique sense of unity in Derry and how we come together in times of crisis. As time went by, I took on more documentary projects and I became skilled and confident in my craft, going on to collaborate with local youth clubs and capture community events. Today, I continue creating impactful, documentary-style videos as part of the team at Mediahuis UK.
Check out my portfolio of work or my testimonials.
Bringing change within communities, keeping people informed of current events, supporting other people, changing attitudes and raising awareness of issues is really what it's all about for me.

Finding Balance in a Busy Life

I lead a busy, fast-paced life - always on the go, always engaged. Yet, I learnt from a young age that it’s important to step back and recharge.
Outside of work, weightlifting is my go-to for mental clarity and focus. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s a way to reset and sharpen my mindset.
I'm always exploring fresh approaches, often by engaging in discussions with others and experimenting with new techniques to boost productivity and creativity. I'm particularly interested in emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, which offers exciting opportunities for innovation.
Music is another passion, and nothing thrills me quite like AC/DC. I’ve been a fan since childhood - my ringtone was “Highway to Hell” when I was nine - and in 2024, I attended three of their concerts. I recently took up drumming as well, finding it a perfect blend of focus and fun. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of rock n’ roll?
Travelling to new places also broadens my perspective, offering exposure to different cultures and sparking fresh ideas. Attending the Berlin Film Festival was a highlight - watching scripted and unscripted films, hearing from the directors, seeing Steven Spielberg in person and immersing myself in the creative energy.

From where I was in life to where I am now is inspiring for me and it truly pushes me to do better every day, tell my story, help others and be a good example to others around me.

If you have an ambition - pursue it. Don’t talk yourself out of anything and remember, when we fail, we gain knowledge…. Take the chance, give it all you got and let nobody stop you or tell you that you can't do it. Own your confidence, embrace it and proclaim it.