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The award provides Shaima with access to twofour54’s world-class production and post-production facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, cameras, and sound and lighting kits. Shaima will also work with the experienced post production team at twofour54 to develop her knowledge and skills in film editing, sound and colour grading.

The most important part of the award is the opportunity for Shaima to complete a twofour54 internship on one of the many exciting projects that twofour54 have in development. This will enable Shaima to experience the media industry first-hand and will hopefully encourage Shaima to turn her talent and passion into a successful career.

H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Government Media Office, CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54, presented Shaima with the accolade at the ZUMEFF’s awards ceremony for her work on the film ‘The Risk’,

The short film which Shaima wrote, produced and edited tells the heart-wrenching story of a young Emirati girl who faces judgement from society when she tries to follow her passion in media. The film shows she overcomes obstacles on the way to achieve her dreams.

H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri said: “I would like to thank Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, President of Zayed University, for this great event, which enables our youth to explore their creativity and develop their talent.

“Developing young talent is at the core of twofour54. We believe that young people are the future of the media industry in Abu Dhabi. I am very proud to see the quality and variety in this year’s film submissions. The reason that we support youth events of this kind is so that we can identify and nurture talent to develop and sustain our thriving media industry.

twofour54 is focused on youth initiatives to encourage more young people than ever before to explore careers in the media industry. Last year, twofour54 welcomed children between the ages of nine and 12 for the annual Summer Camp. twofour54 and the National Media Council (NMC) have also launched the ‘Creatives4Good’ competition, and have hosted a number of interactive workshops throughout the year that focus on developing media skills.

Shaima, a graduate from the Higher College of Technology with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Media and Communications, said: “Winning this award is a milestone in my media career and my experience as a filmmaker. I would like to thank twofour54 for this award and I believe that the support that twofour54 will provide will open so many new doors for me in a field that I am very passionate about.

“I am looking forward to learning new skills as I build my career in the media industry in Abu Dhabi.”

Now in its ninth edition, ZUMEFF showcases the best films from more than 40 universities in 16 countries across the Middle East. The student film festival, which took place from February 26 to 28 at the Warehouse421 in Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi, aims to inspire young filmmakers in the region.

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