The American University in Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education, announced the launch of Season Ten (2025–2026) of the Innovators in Media Competition – Short Film (Reel), inviting Grade 12 high school students from both public and private schools across the UAE to showcase their creativity and critical thinking through film.

In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declaring the year 2025 as the Year of the Community, and the year 2026 as the Year of the Family, the American University in Dubai launches the Short Film Competition (Reel) for year 2025-2026, titled:

What is the impact of social media on the community?

Participants are invited to create a short film (Reel) that explores the subject of community versus the new communities that are formed online. Your story should address questions such as:

• Has social media really brought people closer together?
• Is social media really social or anti-social?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media?
• How does social media compare to traditional, real-life communities?
• Has the dominance of social media changed the shape of real-life communities, and why or why not?
  
  

Submission Guidelines

Duration: 1 to 3 minutes
Focus: Social media in general or a specific platform (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
Format: MP4 file, maximum size 25 MB, vertical dimension (9:16)

Content Requirements

Informative, insightful, and grounded in credible research or studies. Also, it has to include your personal perspective creative storytelling with high-quality video and sound
Include: Full name, School name, Emirate, Phone number, Email address

Send your Reel via email to Mr. Nadir Makansi at nmakansi@aud.edu

For more information, contact Mr. Makansi at 050-6543185

Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026
Results Announcement: May 11, 2026

Be creative, thoughtful, and bold.