American University in Dubai Partners with UAE Ministry of Education for Innovators in Media Short Film Competition
Exploring Social Media’s Role in Community Building Through Film
The American University in Dubai (AUD) has launched the tenth season of its Innovators in Media Competition, partnering with the UAE Ministry of Education to challenge Grade 12 students nationwide. This initiative invites young filmmakers to critically examine how digital platforms reshape human connections through the 2025-2026 theme: What Is the Impact of Social Media on the Community?
Competition Objectives and National Significance
Aligned with UAE leadership’s vision – designating 2025 as the Year of the Community and 2026 as the Year of the Family – this short film competition encourages students to investigate whether social media strengthens or fragments real-world relationships. Participants must create vertical-format reels (1-3 minutes) addressing these key questions:
- Does social media create meaningful connections or superficial interactions?
- How do online communities compare to physical ones in terms of social value?
- What measurable benefits and drawbacks emerge from platform-dominated communication?
This initiative reflects AUD’s commitment to developing media literacy among UAE youth while providing practical experience in digital storytelling.
Submission Requirements and Technical Guidelines
Participants must adhere to these specifications for competition eligibility:
| Format | Duration | Content Requirements | Submission Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4 vertical video (9:16 aspect ratio) | 1-3 minutes | Research-backed insights combined with personal perspective | Maximum 25MB file size |
All entries must include the creator’s full name, school, emirate, and contact information. Submissions should be emailed to AUD’s competition coordinator Nadir Makansi ([email protected]) by April 10, 2026.
Why This Competition Matters for Student Development
This initiative provides three significant benefits for participants:
- Skill Development: Students gain hands-on experience in scriptwriting, filming, and editing while learning to communicate complex social concepts visually
- Academic Portfolio Enhancement: Outstanding entries demonstrate critical thinking and technical abilities valuable for university applications
- Industry Exposure: Winners receive recognition from a leading UAE university and national education authorities
The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at AUD will announce winners on May 11, 2026, with selected films potentially featured in national media literacy campaigns.
Preparing a Competitive Submission
Successful entries typically demonstrate these characteristics:
- Clear thesis statement about social media’s societal impact
- Balanced presentation of both positive and negative effects
- Creative use of visual metaphors rather than literal explanations
- Professional-quality audio with clear dialogue or voiceover
Students should reference credible studies on digital behavior while incorporating personal observations about platform usage in their communities.
How to Participate and Next Steps
Grade 12 students in UAE public and private schools can access complete competition guidelines through their institutions’ career counseling offices or directly from AUD’s communications department. For technical inquiries regarding submissions, contact Mr. Makansi at 050-6543185.
Educators interested in incorporating this project into media literacy curricula can request instructional resources by emailing the competition coordinator.
Submit your film proposal by March 1, 2026 to receive preliminary feedback from AUD faculty.
Explore AUD’s communication programs to develop skills showcased in this competition.
Questions about submission requirements can be directed to AUD’s admissions office through their official contact channels.