All about creativity

They came from Brazil, Poland, Sri Lanka and South Africa to show an international panel that they have talent and an insurmountable passion for the media. Dubai Media City (DMC) last week welcomed projects from 42 candidates shortlisted for the annual Ibda'a Media Student Awards 2008. The student competition invited entries in animation, analogue photography, digital photography, film/TV feature, graphic design, journalism, print advertising, TV advertising, TV documentary and radio.

In its seventh edition this year, the awards received over 2,200 entries from 25 countries.

The winners were announced last Thursday after Notes went to press.

However, the award ceremony was preceded by a five-day exhibition.

Internships as prizes

Instead of giving cash prizes and gadgets, sponsors offered winners in every category internships at various media organisations such as CNN, the Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Xische Studios, Team Young & Rubicam, Motivate Publishing, Nikon, Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, CNBC and MBC.

Abdullah Khalid Al Mohaisin, director of business development at DMC, said the importance of the event lay in the mutual need of media outlets for talent and students for jobs. "The media is in need of talent and this event showcases talent and original work. At the same time, we are trying to enhance local talents so these exhibitions encourage that," he said.

Starting out seven years ago at the local level, the Ibda'as were transformed into an international competition five years ago. Over 57 students have been awarded to date.

The International Advertising Association - UAE chapter judged student work. Al Mohaisin highlighted the independence of this body and added: "The quality of the projects presented this year is very high; there is much creativity and intellectual inspiration in their work."

Diversity among applicants

Khowla Abdullah Al Marzouqi, a fourth-year applied communications student at Sharjah Women's College, said her project, a portrait of a face with the burqa covering it, is a combination of her love for photography and painting.

"I wasn't able to major in fine arts because it is not available at the college so I combined these two... . I applied on the last day of the competition and was happy to be selected among the final 42 entries," she said.

Khowla, who plans to work as an executive producer with a local TV station, voiced some concerns about opportunities for fresh talent.

"Sometimes I feel there aren't enough chances given to students who are talented but shy to show their work. They need much encouragement, especially women," she said.

An exciting experience

South African student Nora Lee Wales is specialising in radio and English literature. "My project is a radio documentary on the radio station where I used to work in South Africa. It is about people finding their identity in a country where national identity is difficult because of the diversity in culture," she said.

At the time of her interview with Notes, Nora was hoping to reach the final stage, but said the experience of coming to Dubai and meeting students from other countries with similar interests was an exciting experience.

Two students from Iran presented posters on mental health and unity among monotheistic religions. The latter topic was picked up by Elham Mahootchi, a student at Sooreh University, Tehran. She said: "I was inspired by an exhibition held in Iran two years ago on the same topic. I portrayed God as the core of the galaxy and the rays of the sun are the various religions."

She expressed her pride at having been selected to come to Dubai. "I always felt that Dubai Media City is a perfect place where I would like to work in the future, so when I passed the semi-final stage and was invited to come here, it was like a dream come true."

- Read the upcoming issue of Notes for a detailed story on the winners and the awards ceremony.