Digital Film and TV students under the Faculty of Communication Media and Broadcasting received their Final Graduation Awards at the Content Malaysia Pitching Centre, Platinum Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur on 14 July 2017.
Eleven short films were created by students which featured stories based on real life events, views on life, and personal sacrifices. Students were recognised for their skills in cinematography, directing, scriptwriting, editing as well as storytelling.
These student graduation awards were more than a recognition. They enabled students to gain a foothold into the film industry.
“I think the biggest benefit for me in Limkokwing University is communication,” said Suo Cai Wong who received Best Film – Silver Wings Award/Best Directing, Best Script/Best Cinematography. “Communication is the key for us to really be on the same page.”
According to him, communication is important as it enables teamwork and helps to focus on their goals while overcoming cultural barriers.
“Our lecturers emphasised more on practical learning, which helped us to understand the industry,” added Arvintharan a/l Valithan. “They made us work more in the field to help us gain more experience rather than just sitting in class.”
He also explained that working with people from different cultural backgrounds gives students the opportunity to gain more exposure to various cultures, often very different than their own.
“We did not see it as an assignment and we took it as our passion project,” he added.
Red Dot Films Managing Director Shadab Ahmad Khan, who was presenting during the award giving ceremony, commended the the students’ work while adding that there was still room for improvements.
“The stories they picked were interesting,” he said while adding that students should emphasise research and story development. He also stressed the importance of imagination and understanding, which could help strengthen a story.
“The film industry is a very competitive industry,” he advised aspiring filmmakers. “You need to compel the audience within the first few minutes of the film.”
Limkokwing University engages with industry practitioners and professionals to ensure that students receive the full benefits of their education. Through the University’s multicultural and industry exposed learning approach, graduates gain a greater competitive advantage in a global environment.