AURAK Mass Communication Students Win Best Experimental Short Film at ISMA 2024

Students from the Mass Communication program at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) have made a significant impact on the international stage, winning the prestigious Best Experimental Short Film award at the International Student Media Arts Festival (ISMA) 2024, hosted this year by Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea.

Their winning documentary, "Shifting Tides," is the UAE's first 3D 180 VR documentary and was mentored by Dr. Sabir Haque. The film showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of the student team, comprised of Azza AlAli, Dana Ajawi, Maram Mahmoud, and Zoha Farooq, with additional contributions from Ahmed Junaidu, Yousef Al Mughrabi, and Yara Saqr. The team traveled to Seoul under the chaperone of Dr. Suzana Zdravkovska, who also served as a member of the ISMA judging committee.

"Shifting Tides" is a testament to the students' dedication, the supportive environment fostered by AURAK, and the quality of education and mentorship provided by the Mass Communication program. AURAK President, Dr. David Schmidt, opened the ISMA festival with an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration in the arts.

In addition to the team's success, Mass Communication student Azza AlAli was also honored with the 72-Hour Workshop Award. This intensive workshop challenged students from 18 participating universities to create a short film within just 72 hours, focusing on themes of climate and culture.

"We are extremely proud of AURAK's participation and performance at ISMA 2024," said AURAK President Dr. David Schmidt. "Our students represented AURAK and the UAE with the utmost professionalism. Their success is a testament to their hard work, talent, and the supportive environment we foster here at AURAK. It also highlights the impact our students are making on a global stage."

The achievements of these students mark a significant milestone for the Mass Communication program at AURAK, demonstrating the university's commitment to nurturing creative talent and preparing students for success in the dynamic field of media arts.

About ISMA

The International Student Media Arts Festival (ISMA) is an annual event that celebrates student filmmakers worldwide. It provides a platform for showcasing their work, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and inspiring future generations of media artists.

ISMA encourages international students to exhibit their skills and exchange ideas through activities like the Media Art Contest and 72-Hour Workshop, fostering collaboration in film, animation, and design. To date, the event has engaged nearly 100 universities across 17 countries.