Youth film fest at Murdoch University

Sharjah: Murdoch University, Dubai, hosted a three-day intensive short-film workshop with acclaimed film director Nawaf Al Janahi last month.

The workshop was the curtain-raiser to Murdoch’s Youth Film Festival (my.film fest), to be held on November 6. The workshop, conducted on two consecutive weekends, was designed to engage students in the process of developing, producing and exhibiting their films and was delivered both in Arabic and English.

The Youth Film Festival is being organised by MCC Media, Murdoch’s student-run media division. The main attraction of the event is the short film competition, which will be judged by a panel of industry representatives and reputed filmmakers to select a winner.

Education spoke to three of the young film-makers: Khadija Bhaijee, Indian, doing her major in screen production and a third year student at Murdoch University; Sandra Khawand, Lebanese, third year of journalism and PR at Murdoch University; and Saif Ahmad, Emirati, in the freshmen year of computer engineering at the American University of Sharjah. 

Why did you attend the workshop?

KB: I learned something different from the usual university syllabus. It was fun!

SK: I’ve always been a fan of movies and admired the craft of filmmaking. I attended the workshop because it was an opportunity for me to be in the same room with a successful Emirati director and get a first-hand account of his own knowledge and experiences.

What was the highlight of your learning experience?

KB: What really caught my attention was the knowledge about the local film scene in the UAE. I was unaware of the reality but now I know more about what scripts interest the production companies here.

SK: First and foremost, I learned that the film industry is one of the toughest and most ruthless industries. Film making can’t be a hobby: it’s too much work. Secondly, I learned that, according to Nawaf, what we have here in the UAE is more of a film scene, not a film industry.

SA: This workshop has totally changed my view on film making. I learned that making a movie is not easy but it’s a lot of fun. There are no limits to what you can do when you create your own film. 

What is the significance of creative visualisation these days?

KB: The youth today interpret their environment more visually than via print thanks to social media networks.

SK: We’re part of a generation that doesn’t read anymore, which is a shame. We’re constantly jumping from one screen to another: computer to mobile phone, to tablets or TV. Consequently, there is a larger focus on visual content, which explains the popularity of viral videos and social photography like Instagram. It also reflects that lately, more and more books are being turned into major blockbuster movies.

SA: I think each of us has a vision of our own. When you tap into your resources, you are being unique, pushing your efforts on to a new level. With each frame, you go a step higher with your creative visualisation and that attracts people and keeps them interested till the end. 

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

KB: We are taught to produce content for screens and not just one media outlet, which I think prepares me for new market demands. I can’t predict the future but I see myself as being a part of this creative revolution.

SK: I wouldn’t see myself making films, that’s for sure — I’m more of a book person. I do see myself as a writer/journalist. And as a journalist, I would like to make documentaries one day. The workshop with Nawaf has given me great insights into the way of the lens and how to manipulate your camera in order to tell your story in such a way that any audience would understand.

SA: I hope to see myself as an engineer graduate and I hope by then, I would make more films and have more experience in the world of cinema. Maybe you would be able to even see one of my short films at a festival!

Ruqya Khan is a freelance writer based in Sharjah