Each year, Motivate and Motivate Val Morgan, the Official UAE Representative of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, nominates one student to attend the Roger Hatchuel Academy – part of the Festival.
This year, Reem Al Ani from the American University in Dubai (AUD) has been selected to represent the UAE at the prestigious Academy, which will be held during the Cannes Festival in France in June 18-25.
The Roger Hatchuel Academy allows a select group of international students of advertising, communications and other creative disciplines to interact, see the best work in advertising from across the globe, and learn from inspirational industry leaders – to help them become great advertising professionals of the future.
Students of the Roger Hatchuel Academy follow an intensive five-day schedule during the Cannes Lions International Festival of creativity, under the guidance of course tutor Clive Challis, Head of the Advertising Course at Central Saint Martins, London. The program combines classroom sessions and a selection of official Festival content.
Commenting on being selected, Reem stated, “I am extremely honored to represent the UAE at this year’s Roger Hatchuel Academy. I hope to be an example of how a diverse experience in Dubai can contribute to an open-minded and ambitious thought process in the creative field. I feel privileged to have earned this opportunity and I look forward to applying my learning’s from the Roger Hatchuel Academy in Cannes when back in Dubai – which is ripe with possibilities.
I have to thank Professor Dina Faour from AUD for constantly pushing me to strive for the best. The opportunities I received while at AUD have surely prepared me for such a large-scale event, and the capstone portfolio course has helped me confidently present my work and my identity with pride. I hope I can return the favor this year.”
Dina Faour, Associate Professor of Advertising, AUD, said: “When breeding winners is your teaching philosophy, it is only natural to generate impressive results. We are so honored to have one of our excellent students represent the UAE at the most prestigious advertising event of the year, the Cannes Lions. This again, attests to the student, the academic program and the whole institution. I am confident Reem will utilize this opportunity to learn from leading talent in the industry at the all exclusive Roger Hatchuel Academy. AUD would also like to thank Motivate and Motivate Val Morgan for their continuous support of the student body throughout the UAE.”
Reem is also the winner of the School of Architecture, Art and Design Undergraduate Award 2016, given to the student with the highest academic standing. “This is spectacular news! For our Department, the School and AUD,” commented enthusiastically Dr. Woodman Taylor, Chair of the Department of Visual Communication. “Reem, I am so very happy that yet again your talent as an emerging advertising professional has been recognized at the very highest level!”
Reem concluded, “Thank you for the amazing support, I hope I make AUD proud at the Roger Hatchuel Academy at Cannes Lions. It’s all due to what I learned during my years at AUD. The School of Architecture, Art and Design was a great source of inspiration and an atmosphere unrivalled in its liveliness and soul. In particular, I would like to thank the Visual Communication department where I was able to find my passion and allow it to flourish whenever possible.
I am sure we will continue to see my fellow classmates and friends aiming for the best since that is the attitude we are taught, especially at the Advertising department lead by our mentor, Professor Dina Faour. Without her enthusiasm and guidance, this opportunity would not have been possible.”