tabloid!’s reporters have covered many a Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) over the years — from hollering at stars on the red carpet (really, it’s not glamorous) to sitting down with world-class filmmakers in one-on-one interviews (after having watched their film first, of course).
This year, Diff set us a challenge: To work with student journalists as part of their annual Young Journalist Award (YJA), which sees aspiring journalists get real-life experience covering the festival. After inviting media students at universities in the UAE to take part by writing a 200-word piece on the importance of film festivals, we narrowed the record number of entries down to six.
These young journalists will work with tabloid! and Diff staff to write copy and even video every day of the festival — from reviews to interviews and news reports. The best will be published each day in tabloid! and online at gulfnews.com, and the best of the best, as chosen by a Gulf News and Diff panel, will win an internship with tabloid!.
Here, our young journalists introduce themselves.
Lubna Pathan: “I’m a first-year student at Manipal University Dubai and am studying towards a BA in Media and Communication. People who know me describe me as a strong, independent and arts-oriented. To say that I love reading and writing would be an understatement. I’m looking forward to focusing on my writing and contributing my fair share to change the world.”
Mariam Nasir: “Born and raised in Dubai, I’ve always been interested in capturing the fact-paced developments in the UAE through my words. This interest exposed me to the Media & Communication course in Manipal University Dubai. I hope to polish my writing skills through the Diff YJA platform and also make it a memorable experience with my colleagues.”
Farah Ahmed: “I’m a 20-year-old Egyptian undergraduate at the American University of Sharjah. Through studying journalism and film, I learnt to be more patient and determined. I am hoping that through the Diff YJA, I will get to learn more about the subject I’m passionate about: film.”
Mais Al Amouri: “I’m a 21-year-old Jordanian undergraduate at the American University of Sharjah. Through my major (Journalism), I’ve learnt how to be more determined and passionate about my future career. Through the Diff YJA, I’m looking forward to meeting new people, getting to know more about the film industry, and returning with the best memories of the festival.”
Ummehani Mustafa: “I’m an undergraduate in Manipal University Dubai and currently pursuing a degree in Media and Communication. The power of words has always been of interest to me, which is why I’ve chosen to specialise in print and electronic journalism. The opportunity of being a part of Diff’s YJA is a dream come true.”
Emma Dourado: “I’m a final year Media and Communications undergraduate student at Manipal University Dubai. Journalism and writing have been a passion of mine and I’m hoping the Diff Young Journalist Award will help me pursue my dream.”
