Global media giants renew support for Ibda'a Media Student Awards

The prizes for Ibda'a 2006 consist of internships that will provide winners with opportunities to work with seasoned professionals in cutting edge media environments.

The prize sponsors, announced today, include CNN, Team Young & Rubicam, Canon, Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo Burnett, Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Showtime, Motivate Publishing, Al Aqariya and Lammtara Pictures.

The 2006 Ibda'a Awards have invited entries from media students from across the world. The Awards have ten award categories this year: Animation, TV Documentary, Film Feature, Print Advertising, TV Advertising, Graphic Design, Analogue Photography, Digital Photography, Journalism (Non News), and Radio.

The prizes offered by the sponsors include:

Journalism - Internship with CNN

TV Documentary - Internship with Al Aqariya TV

Animation - Internship with Lammtara Pictures

Print Advertising - Internship with Saatchi & Saatchi

TV Advertising - Internship with Leo Burnett

Graphic Design - Internship with Team Young & Rubicam

Radio - Internship with Arabian Radio Network

Film - Internship with Showtime

Photography - Internship with Motivate Publishing

Digital Photography - $ 1500 worth of photography equipment from Canon

"This year Ibda'a embarks on a new journey to identify, recognise and foster young media talent in the region and we are very happy to receive the support of some of the world's biggest media companies,"

said Mohammed Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Media City and Coordinator General of the Awards. "By inviting international media players to provide internships for winners of the Ibda'a Awards we are also trying to build bridges between young talent and the industry," he added.

The deadline for all entries to this year's Ibda'a Awards is 15 March, 2006. As in previous years, this year's edition will also have three judging rounds. Following the deadline, a preliminary screening will eliminate entries that do not meet entry requirements.

The second round of judging on 17 March, 2006 will shortlist a minimum of three and maximum of five finalists in each category. The International Advertising Association (IAA) will support Dubai Media City in the judging process.

A final round of judging, to be held on 15 April 2006, will select one winner from each category. An exhibition of the finalists' work will be held from 23 to 25 April 2006. The winners will be announced and honoured at a high profile Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on the night of 25 April 2006. Apart from elegant trophies, winners will receive prizes that include internships with leading global media brands.

The contest will be judged by a panel that comprises of key regional media personalities and representatives from leading global media companies.