What first inspired your passion for documentary filmmaking?

I have always had a strong interest in documentary films, and have loved watching them for as long as I can remember. Seeing Kim Longinotto's 'Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go' sealed the deal and after that I knew that documentary filmmaking was what I wanted to do.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

Reading the feedback left in my comments book at my photography exhibition 'Give and Let Live' was definitely an amazing moment. I was overjoyed to hear I had touched so many people and also encouraged people to sign up to the organ donor register. It made all the hard work totally worth it.

How have you developed as an artist on the MA Documentary Film course?

Firstly, the MA Documentary Film course opened my eyes to a much broader berth of documentary - during the course I have met and chatted with so many amazing filmmakers and have been shown many films that have inspired and moved me. With the excellent tuition I received I was able to develop my film and improve my skills not only as a filmmaker as a whole but as a camera person, sound person and editor too. My work has become more focused since started the course and I was able to pin point the aspects that I am really passionate about and develop these further.

In addition to film you're also an experienced photographer. Why did you choose to continue your art education by joining the MA Documentary Film course here at LCC?

Photography is a strong part of who I am, and during lots of shoots I would meet really interesting people that I wanted to capture on film as well as in stills. It seemed a natural progression to move to documentary film.

Your works Give and Let Live and Finding Sol were born out of challenging personal experience. Could you tell us more about these projects?

I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure at 19 and after 5 years of dialysis an old childhood friend came forward and gave me his kidney. I realised what an amazing unique bond donors and their recipients have and I wanted to capture it. 'Give and Let Live' consists of portraits which I hope do this.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on my final project for the MA, a documentary entitled 'Young, Deaf and CF'. I am also working on a large photography commission and have just been asked to make some short films for a well known public sector which I am really excited about. As well as a couple of personal projects that are currently in development and I am already researching my next documentary film.

What are your plans for the future?

To keep challenging myself and develop further as an artist. I would love to direct a documentary for Channel 4 or the BBC and become recognised as a filmmaker and photographer in my own right.

Is there anything else we should know about Holly Cocker?

I am obsessed by halloumi cheese, my two cats and have a rather fetching owl hat.

Check out Holly's work on her website.

UPDATE: Holly Cocker's graduation documentary has been selected for screening at the 'British Shorts' film festival in Berlin. You can find out more about this on the LCC Blog.