University student wins Young Journalist Award

Dubai: Melissa Khan, senior media and communications student at Manipal University recently won the Young Journalist Award, organised by the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF).

Students in universities across the UAE were invited to write a movie review of a film in the festival programme, or a write-up of a panel discussion or press conference or on the press coverage of the festival.

Melissa submitted a review of a movie shown at the festival, which won her the award and potential job offers by participating media outlets.

Surprise

"It was a surprise to me that I won but it is definitely an honour," Melissa told Gulf News. Melissa plans to pursue her master's degree in creative film editing or advertising next year.

Aisha Cahgla, Industry Office Events Manager, said that this is the first time this competition has been held but that it would be carried on as part of DIFF in the coming years.

"We are trying to involve the younger generation in writing about film business because without journalists who write about film and film reviews, the public doesn't know about it," she said.

"We wanted to support students in the UAE who are thinking about pursuing a career in journalism to show them this is one aspect you might be interested in," she added.