Westford University College collaborated with Paramount Hotel Dubai and COMCO MEA for this year’s We Create Drama Film Festival, an annual initiative by Paramount Hotel Dubai showcasing the creative works of Dubai-based filmmakers.
This year’s festival was unique compared to previous editions, as Westford students participated in the production of all film entries as line producers. These students served as the primary liaison between Paramount Hotel Dubai and the filmmakers, managing the logistical needs of each film production and ensuring that all requirements and schedules were met.
This role provided invaluable learning opportunities as students delved into the intricacies of film production and experienced the importance of teamwork. Another facet of the collaboration was the event management segment of the campaign, where students from business and media programs volunteered to organize the award ceremony. In preparation, Mr. Nicolas Naim Zaboura, Paramount Hotel Dubai’s Creative Director, delivered a session on “Mastering the Art of Lifestyle Event Management.”
He shared his personal experiences from running major events in the US, as well as technical insights and considerations for staging successful lifestyle events such as fashion shows, conferences, and meetings.
On the day of the awards, both student interns and volunteers participated in and enjoyed the evening alongside their faculty mentors, Mr. Bethoven Filomeno, the overall coordinator for the collaboration, and Ms. Amritha Subhayan Krishnan, one of the panel judges for the film festival. Nine official films made it to the finals, each of which was screened and well-received by the audience. The film “VISION,” for which Digital Marketing student Vedant Thakar served as the line producer, won the Best Picture award.
The collaboration between Paramount Hotel Dubai, COMCO MEA, and Westford University College provided students with a unique and memorable experience. They not only learned industry practices but also made new friends and created lasting memories that will accompany them as they advance in their future careers and endeavors.
