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Last Friday, final-year students in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) programme at the University of Technology, Jamaica brought their creative visions to life at the 11th staging of the Media Magnified Exhibition. Held under the theme ‘Creative Minds in Focus’, Lecture Theatre 50 was transformed into a vibrant hub of media innovation.
From books and podcasts to documentaries, campaigns and websites, the student projects reflected months of hard work, researching, scripting, designing, and producing content that tackled social issues, highlighted Jamaican culture, and explored new ways of communicating.
One of the standout experiences was the Media Maze, an interactive display that let guests dive into the stories behind each project, with visuals and notes that showed how the work came together.
The event opened with a panel discussion featuring media professionals Daindra Harrison, Gemmar McFarlane, Iyesha Foster Wisdom, and Jevaughn Gordon. The speakers, whose backgrounds range from event production to filmmaking, shared experiences and insights on navigating the changing media landscape.
McFarlane, a filmmaker and creative director, highlighted the value of originality and the role of strategic connections in strengthening creative work.
“The world is going to pull you in many directions. You will get many jobs, freelance, 9-to-5 work, and it is going to try and pull you away from the story you are trying to tell. You have to find a way to not only tell that story but see if you can use that network,” he advised.
Renowned filmmaker and director Gabrielle Blackwood delivered a powerful keynote address, encouraging students to embrace authenticity and prepare for both the passion and persistence that the creative journey requires.
Reflecting on her decision to participate, Blackwood shared, “I always wished I had been told the unpopular truths of just even existing as a creative. Fortunately, with years of experience now in the film and television industry, it was a no-brainer to use that knowledge to help anyone else coming after me.”
She praised the students’ initiative in securing sponsorship and managing the event, adding that it is “prime training for the productions I’m sure they’ll be creating after leaving UTech”.
Her parting message urged students to value their contributions, to evolve constantly, and to pioneer boldly in an industry still finding its footing locally.
The event also included live demonstrations, networking opportunities, and an awards segment recognising standout student projects. Awardee and final-year student, Rajae Noble, who created a campaign on male empowerment, shared, “Media Magnified gave me the platform to tell stories that matter, and to do so with pride and purpose.”
Lead lecturer Joshua Paul described the event as a proving ground, simulating real-world pressures and preparing students for the demands of media work.
“It introduces them to the pressures of public presentation and audience feedback, giving them the tools to transition from the classroom to the wider world.”
Launched in 2014 by the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, Media Magnified bridges academic learning with real-world experience. It gives students a platform to build practical skills and confidence through public exhibition and collaboration.
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