Syed Jazib Ali: ‘I was looking for a desk and a chair, but I found a community’

Documentary filmmaker and media professional Syed Jazib Ali is the founder of Mudland Studio, an organization that connects storytelling, culture, and social and environmental justice. Working from A Lab, he develops films, journalistic projects, and creative strategies, often in collaboration with artists, researchers, activists, and social organizations.

During Open Labs, Mudland presented the film installation Borders, Belonging & Freedom. Three short documentaries on displacement, citizenship, protest, and justice explored how individuals and communities in contemporary South Asia navigate identity, belonging, and democratic participation.

We spoke with Jazib about his first impression of A Lab, the importance of a permanent base, and his wish for a place where members can slow down together.

What was your first impression of A Lab?

‘My first impression was that it is a very special and creative place. A Lab has a soul. It felt different from other workspaces I had seen. From the start, I experienced it more as a community than an office building.

I saw things happening all over the building. People were coming together in different spaces, there was music, and there were events. For example, I attended an interesting meeting about virtual reality. The energy felt warm and open.

I was actually just looking for a desk and a chair outside my home, but I found much more here than I ever expected: a community and a place where I can continue to develop. A Lab is starting to feel more and more like home.’

How did you end up at A Lab?

‘My partner Maria found A Lab. She had approached several places because I was working from home a lot and realized I needed more structure. She encouraged me to find a workspace outside the house.

Of all the places we looked at, A Lab was our favorite. I travel a lot for work, so it is very valuable to have a permanent base here. It is a place I can always return to.’

If you had to describe A Lab in a feeling, sound, or image, what would it be?

‘The first feeling that comes to mind is belonging: the feeling that you are part of something.

As an image, I think of its location by the water. A Lab is in a special spot, surrounded by water and close to the IJ. That provides space and freedom.

I also feel a certain pride when I tell people I work here. It is not a corporate environment. It is a place where you are inspired by the people around you and by what is happening in the building.’

Which words do you think best describe the culture at A Lab?

‘Warm, community, and music.

For me, warmth is in the way people meet and interact with one another. Community is about the feeling that while everyone here is working on their own thing, you are still part of something bigger.

And music is truly part of A Lab for me. Almost every time I’m here, I hear music somewhere. Always something different. It gives the building so much energy and character.’

What is your wish for A Lab in the coming year?

‘I would love to see a real communal space where people can relax, move, and connect with each other. A place where you can stretch or do yoga, but also just sit when you need a breather.

During a conference on philanthropy in Ghent, I saw how little you actually need for that. There were a few mats, some quiet music playing, and some cushions and a rug. It was a simple space where people could breathe, talk, listen, and unwind.

Within a creative community, health and well-being are very important. We all work hard and are constantly busy with ideas and projects. That’s why it would be great to have a space where nothing needs to be produced. A place where you can just be.’

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Curious about the work of Syed and Mudland? Check out their films, projects, and collaborations on the Mudland website