'We got tired of asking for permission': Meet the women making their own coming-of-age series

In a quiet corner of the Instagram feed, a revolution is brewing. It's a revolution that's been years in the making, one that's been sparked by a desire to see oneself reflected on screen. For Danait Yallow, Mia Frank, and Amelia Benjamin, this revolution is about more than just representation, it's about giving voice to the stories that have long been overlooked.

I've always been fascinated by the way a well-crafted coming-of-age story can capture the essence of a generation. From the relatable woes of Fresh Meat to the unapologetic humor of The Inbetweeners, these shows have become staples of teenage culture. But for those who don't see themselves in the characters, the experience can be isolating. As Mia Frank so eloquently puts it, "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."

That's why Danait, Mia, and Amelia set out to create their own web series, Higher Learning. Based on their own experiences and observations, this fictional university is a reflection of the diversity that's often lacking in mainstream TV. As Danait explains, "The fictional university is based off Bristol Uni. Zara is starting university outside of London, where she grew up, and is experiencing the typical Fresher nerves, but she's determined to get herself out there. 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."

In an industry where big broadcasters often hold the reins, Danait, Mia, and Amelia are charting their own course. By publishing on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, they're tapping into the growing trend of microdramas. But this isn't just a smart move, it's a necessity. As Danait admits, "The process is completely out of touch for us. It's out of reach." In a notable step, they've decided to take matters into their own hands, creating content that resonates with their audience without the need for permission.

This isn't the first project the trio has worked on together. Their film, When The Sun Goes Down, a South Asian romance film, was selected for three film festivals with premieres in Canada and the UK. This success has given them the confidence to push boundaries and tell stories that might not have been told otherwise. As Danait notes, "We're keen not to dilute the narratives we're telling just to make them broader and more accessible to a larger audience."

In a world where representation matters, Danait, Mia, and Amelia are showing us that the power is in our hands. By creating content that speaks to their own experiences, they're opening doors for others to do the same. As Mia so eloquently puts it, "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." This is a revolution that's not just about diversity, it's about the future of storytelling itself.

As I reflect on this story, I'm struck by the resilience of these women. In an industry that often favors the familiar, they're willing to take risks and push boundaries. They're proof that the power of storytelling lies not just in the stories we tell, but in the people we empower to tell them. As we move forward, I have no doubt that we'll see more stories like Higher Learning, stories that reflect our diversity, our complexity, and our humanity.