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By: Fatemah Askari

Razan Takash is a filmmaker and an award-winning director from Jordan, with an experience of over 10 years in the film and television industry in the UAE and Middle East and currently working full-time as an assistant professor at the American University in the Emirates at the College of Media and Mass Communication. She opens up about her journey of becoming a producer in an exclusive interview.

She holds a master’s degree in Fine Arts in directing from the Red Sea Institute for Cinematic Arts and has dedicated a large portion of her career working on reality and documentary television content focusing on using actuality to tell stories which made her highly experienced in handling unpredictable productions. She also describes herself as passionate. “I’m very passionate about everything in my life, maybe too much though.”

Takash’s journey as a producer started very late in her career. When she first started working in film production, she was mostly working as a director and writer, but then started working as a freelancer in Abu Dhabi. That is when she found out she is good at producing and eventually got a chance to produce some television shows and programs. First, she was producing segments and then produced the whole show and that is how she became known as a producer.

Some of the challenges that Takash faces being a producer and a professor at the same time is time management and stress management. “Producing is a very chaotic, exhausting, and time-consuming, and being a professor requires patience and calm, and the two don’t work together so well” she explained. She believes it is quite tough managing both jobs at the same time.

Surprisingly, Takash did not want to be a producer when she was a child and only found out that she could work as a director when she was in college. “When I was a child, I actually loved animals and I wanted to be a vet, and that was my dream until I was 17” Takash said. She was then an intern in a veterinarian clinic and found it too difficult to handle putting down animals. So, she changed her mind and went to university to figure out what her passion was.

She has produced a lot of content in very different platforms and formats such as television content, competition programs, docu-series, short films, commercials and some animation work. Her latest finished project is a short sci-fi film called IDI. This was a zero-budget film and that’s why she came up with the idea of hiring people from other countries to work with them online, rather than hiring local people, since they were either too expensive or wouldn’t do the job well with low rates.

Takash also opened up about the most important skill to have when producing films which is multitasking. She believes that if you cannot multitask something will fall apart, a domino effect happens and everything else falls apart. “Being a producer is like juggling plates on sticks, you have to keep them moving all the time” Takash explained. So, the moment one of the sticks stop moving, the plate falls and breaks, and it is usually a financial or creative disaster.

Many of Takash’s projects have gone into festivals such as “Shah Mat” and “M1das” which won several awards, and she was also nominated for an award for her film IDI at the Toronto Women Film Festival. Takash’s future plan is to finance a feature film for a script that she’s written already. “I’m also considering developing drama series and to explore online streaming drama or comedy sci-fi series” Takash said.

By: Fatemah Askari

American University in the Emirates secured a dedicated day for faculty members and students to take the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine on Wednesday, March 17 in Dubai Mall Zabeel to help curb the spread of the virus.

The students and faculties got the opportunity to receive their first dose of Chinese Sinopharm vaccine without prior booking. They were informed by Mr. Ali Hamad, the admission’s manager, through the official university’s portal about the event and the response to it was very encouraging as students showed up in great numbers and adhered to all Covid protocols during the process.

AUE is among the universities that are encouraging students to take the vaccine and educating them about the benefits of it through their online platforms as part of their efforts to support the country’s vaccination initiative for tackling the pandemic. This is to ensure the safety and health of the community and be able to return to a normal campus life.

The university has also been encouraging students to take the vaccine by posting a photo of Prof. Muthanna Abdul Razzaq, president and CEO of the American University in the Emirates, while taking his first dose of Covid-19 vaccine on their official Instagram account. Prof. Muthanna also emphasizes the keenness of the country’s leadership for ensuring the maximum levels of safety for all parts of the community.

The efforts of educational institutions to urge students to take the vaccine contributes to reducing the number of daily cases and breaking the chain of infection. It is crucial to take the vaccine in the United Arab Emirates especially since the country recently announced it is considering the possibility of imposing movement restrictions on residents who did not take the Covid-19 vaccine despite being eligible to do so.

By Aisha Mama Achimugu

The final year students of the CMMC in AUE were asked about their experience in the university and the college specifically and whether they will be recommending AUE to people who aspire to walk the same path and a student representative from each specialisation (international relations, public relations, radio and tv and integrated marketing communications).

“It was a nice experience to be in AUE, it was both good and bad there were a lot of amazing professors I met throughout my stay in AUE that I wished I had a chance to have classes with them even more and since it’s my final year I wish I was actually studying at university rather than being online but I’m grateful to having the graduation to take place in university I can at least celebrate my graduation in real life not online.” Ghenwa Chalak a final year student in radio and TV said.

Terek Aburadi a student of integrated marketing communications described his experience as “I would say I had a great experience, since am working student I was pausing studying for many years as I couldn’t find the time and flexibility needed to manage both. But with AUE there is opportune to have many weekend courses and be able to graduate and that’s why I would recommended it for people specially working student.”

Noor Osama a senior from Public relations said “I can’t tell the journey was easy but as the slogan says “nothing is impossible” knowing how valuable education is and making it as an important goal to achieve will get you nowhere except towards getting the best out of you, having different courses, exploring different ways of learning will surely teach you to look at things from all perspectives. To achieve any goal in this life will never be easy, but AUE has something that cannot be found anywhere else which is basically “amazing understandable doctors” doctors will make sure to give you what you deserve and never will allow you to get out from the doors without making sure you have understood what just has been taught. They will provide you an amazing journey where everything is considered as a “lesson learned practically””

Finally, Aisha Mama Achimugu a senior specialised in international relations said “ it was an emotional rollercoaster but I met the most helpful staff, teachers helping you to be better and not just teachers but also friends and CMMC is like a family unit of its own, something I never got from my previous university and I learnt so much and would definitely recommend AUE. AUE definitely made my university experience better and it is sad to be leaving because I loved every single moment in the university, I could go on and on but just like its slogan “nothing is impossible” and I believe because I never thought I would get to the finish line.”

by : Tariq Aburadi 18 April 2021

Many of us get worried when it comes to the capstone course. What should we do is it essays or research paper case study or campaign? The Capstone goes beyond that it’s a mix of what we study in all courses to solve a problem.

Am taking the Capstone this semester and when it comes to the course the first question comes to my mind when should I Take the capstone course?

In my opinion, the perfect time to take the course when you have only 9 credits hours or less remaining don’t take it very early and don’t take many courses with it as it’s time-consuming. Right now, am taking it with 4 more courses and straggling with all other projects and exams so my advice here that to make sure the manageable courses the elective free course or easy course with it. begin honestly of yourself is the answer to that question.

The second important question was is how can I select my topic?

To answer this question, we need to find a topic that we are passionate about, something that has meaning to our professional or personal life, we also could use your cycle of friends or family that work or infield that could use for our project.

Also, an important question crosses my mind what should be involved in the capstone project?

After choosing the topic you need to find theories and case studies that support your topic and link the topic to your major and what you have been studying in strategic ways and the most important thing is to solve a problem and this should be the purpose of your topic.

In conclusion, the Capstone project is unlike the other courses so that you need to prepare for it very carefully and take all the time and spend all the effort you need to successfully pass the course and graduated the university and get ready for your next step in your career.

AL AAN TV LAUNCHED NEW CAMPAIGN

The TV channel, which is one of the five best channels preferred by the youth of the UAE, has announced its new campaign “Akhbar Al-Aan”, that provides more media space for the younger generation of audience and involve them in the production of news stories and encourages social media users.
The Arab satellite TV channel “Al-Aan”, broadcasting from Dubai Media City that was established in 2006, and announced its a new campaign launch on March 27, 2021.

The new campaign “Akhbar Al-Aan” has taken on a unique identity by combining entertainment with a real event that targets audiences between the ages of 18 to 24 and shares the experiences, stories, achievements, challenges and many more things about younger generation.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR CMMC STUDENTS

Al-Aan TV channel made an agreement between American University in the Emirates and is currently offers CMMC students an internship program and full-time jobs in media organizations.
Al-Aan TV provides various chances to young and creative students as well for new graduates who wants to become TV presenter or producers and other privileges such as work in Radio and TV, Graphic Design, Animation, IMC and Production.

According to Ms. Christine Maurice, one of the employees of the Al Aan TV says that “TV channel is rich to diverse audience on social media, it has more than 52 million followers on social media platforms including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter. Facebook, TikTok and Snapchat”.

Moreover, Akhbar Al-Aan campaign gives an opportunity to all young generations around the world to deliver and share their stories and news of relevance to viewers through the live broadcast on social media platforms.

By Fazilat Abdulkhamidova

Professor Mohammed Bani Salameh who is currently a professor in College of Media and Mass Communication at the American University of the Emirates. The goal-oriented Prof. Salameh, has experience more than 17 years in research and teaching political science and international relations, shared his views on the remote teaching performance.

 Is this your first remote teaching experience for students?
No, a year ago, before joining the AUE, I taught at Yarmouk University in Jordan. Due to the pandemic, without prior training, we transferred the physical classes to online teaching. By now I think I have enough distance teaching experience as this is my second year of online teaching.
 What can you say about the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning for students?
Well, I believe each story has two sides. In terms of the advantages of online learning, students can learn new skills and they can rely on themselves. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that during the exams, attempts to cheat on the part of some students are higher than in the face-to-face exams.
On the other hand, same advantages can be applied to professors and instructors as well because, as I mentioned, these are new skills for all of us and we can also develop our skills in distance learning. Moreover, I believe that the university conducts a lot of workshops to deal with disadvantages and to mitigate the negative impact of distance learning for both students and instructors.
 What do you think online education will be successor to students or traditional education?
Well, I think we must now prepare for a hybrid learning approach where we will be delivering face-to-face teaching as well as distance learning. It is too early to evaluate because this is a new experiment and I think we can improve it, develop it and make a successful story.

But I prefer traditional face-to-face training because it is more effective for students.
 How do you motivate students in the online environment? Have you found some methods to encourage students for online classes?
I always try to inspire and encourage students. But sometimes some students will enter the online class but will be busy with other things. To inspire them, I will lead a discussion on various topics and from time to time I will check they are following me or not and I will mention their names. In addition, when I sometimes raise questions, I give additional grades to those who answered, and students will be active and happy in participating in these discussions.
 Do you have any wishes or advice for AUE students?
Well, I advise them distance learning as an opportunity, not as a challenge. From these opportunities, they should get the most benefit and move from problem to solution. In addition, during this difficult time, students must adjust to this new reality and must take it seriously. I wish all students the best in their studies and future careers. Thank you!

By Fazilat Abdulkhamidova

The American University in the Emirates has provided students with the wide unique opportunities by attracting regional and international companies collaborating with Virtual Career Fair on April 6 and 7, 2021 through the MS Teams platform.

According to the AUE Director of Student Services, Ms. Sumayyah Alsabri that the “AUE Virtual Career Fair was organized by the Department of Student Service, Career & Internship office and represented by Mr. Abdulrahman Al Refai.”
The Virtual Career Fair event was attended about 14 international and local, private and public companies that offered career and internship opportunities for all colleges of AUE, but among them CMMC college students had more chances, as the organizations were mostly about the media and communications spheres.
At this year’s event, various companies presented their valuable vacancies, including in the areas of Human Resource Management, Information Technology Services, Dubai Police, Graphic Design, Digital & Marketing, Television and Radio Communications, Public Relations, Social Media Design, Education Development, and other fields.

The main purpose of the AUE Career Fair is to support and help students and alumni to prepare for better future careers, and this job fair opportunity can help students understand areas of work and acquire new skills

By Aisha Mama Achimugu

Ahmed Shihadi is a student of CMMC ran for council for the 2020 elections in his senior year and won the position of the treasurer. He has been an active member of the CMMC and has shown great leadership skills to the college of media and mass communication and is loved by the student body and the faculty. Here is a conversation with Ahmed on his role as the treasurer and about himself.

Can you tell me briefly about yourself?

My name is Ahmad Yahya and I am from Palestine. I am a Radio and TV student in college of media and mass communication, and this is my last semester in the AUE.

Who is a leader you admire and why?

Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein the King of Jordan, I believe that he is an exceptional world leader, his charismatic way of leading Jordan inspires me.

What motivated you to run for council?

Since I heard about the AUE Student Council, I wanted to join so I can make a difference for the students, because as a student I always wanted to change things that can help us the students and enhance our journey in the AUE.

How does it feel being a representative of cmmc? Tell us about your role

It is an honour for me to represent the college I am studying in. I am the treasurer in the AUESC, I am responsible for the recording of all financial transactions and to maintain an appropriate accounting system.

What do you plan to achieve/ specific goal you plan to achieve as a member of the council?

I aim to be the voice of my fellow students, to send their thoughts and messages to the university in order to reach an environment where all students can fit in.

What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge for me is to satisfy all the students, a lot of students come to me with some problems, I work hard on it trying to solve the problem, but some are above my level where I can’t do much about it.

What are your strengths and weaknesses being a treasurer?

The only weakness I face in the AUESC is that I don’t know the other members well. On the other hand, the main strength that we all share that we all are team-players, which really overcome the weakness.

How will you increase the awareness of your position to the student body?

The main key to raise the awareness of my position to the students is by getting in touch with them and getting involved in AUE’s events.

What are the issues of AUE/CMMC students have that need to be addressed?

One main issue that I want to focus on is the production studio in the campus, I believe the cmmc students need some better equipment and space to work in.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Calm, connected and modern.

What is the main goal of the student council?

The AUESC aims to build a sense of community and pride amongst AUE students, foster positive relations and strengthen collaboration between the student body, faculty, administration, and the greater community.

What quotes do you live by?

I live by a verse in the holy Quran, “لئن شكرتم لأزيدنكم” which means, when you are grateful, Allah will surely give you more.

Thank you so much for your time

Monday, March 22, 2021
By. Mohammed Al Aleely

DUBAI – Hamad Ahli an inspector in Dubai tourism receives a performance award for his great work from executive council of Dubai.

Hamad is working as chief senior inspector in Dubai tourism department, and he is working as Representative of the Tourism Department in COVID-19 command and control Center as well, and he is volunteering in vaccination center with Dubai health Authority He receives the visitors of the Centers with a good and loving spirit. He is so humble and polite.

The Executive Council of Dubai presented him with his award. He receives an Appreciation Certificate from The General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai Government

When Hammad receive the appreciation certificate he felt so proud and happy that he is serving his country against the COVID-19 virus and that’s giving him push to do more and more for his country.

The award is an acknowledgement of his exemplary work. He has been taking part in many awareness programs as well as introducing the foreign nationals in the country to the culture and heritage of Dubai, and has also acted as a reference for many foreign nationals seeking permits in the emirate.

He also is a part of the duty where officers have to check on the compliance of the city’s laws and regulations for tourists.

He said that he sees his work as an extension of his daily routine. “I am still doing my jobs which I had taken up from my daily routine before my transfer to Dubai,” he said.

“I have also participated in many training programs and events as well, which helps me to improve myself and helps me further improve the department.”

He has been a loyal worker and said he is “a very humble guy”. He said he was “delighted and very honored” to have received the award and said he is “more of an amateur worker than a professional one”.

The General Secretariat of The Executive Council – posted on Twitter and Dubai Tourism as well posted on Instagram and AUE posted on Twitter and Instagram as well and he has voted to win Dubai tourism rewards for this month as well as a Delivery Leader.

Students of College of Media and Mass Communications, the midterm exam schedule is now finalised.

Please click the link below to review your schedule. For students who have three or more exams in one day, please visit your advisor, they will be able to assist you. Make sure to read the exam guidelines to avoid any trouble on your exam day – final exam guidelines are now applicable to the midterm as well. Please make sure to arrive at the class 5 minutes earlier, as you will not be allowed to take your exams if you are late.

–By Sarah Sharaan

https://ibb.co/C1T0JJZ