Mangaluru: The Department of Media Studies, School of Arts and Humanities at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) organised “Shooting Stars 2026,” a National Media Seminar and Film Festival, bringing together students, academicians, media professionals, and cinema enthusiasts under the theme “Convergence of Communication and Creativity.”
The event, co-sponsored by Sparkle Gift Card, provided a vibrant platform for aspiring media professionals to interact with industry experts, filmmakers, and digital creators while showcasing student talent in filmmaking, photography, and media production.
Vijay Raghavendra inaugurates the festival
The programme was inaugurated by Vijay Raghavendra, the popular Kannada film star known for his role in the acclaimed film Chinnari Mutha.
Addressing the gathering, the actor expressed gratitude for the support he received from audiences during his journey on Bigg Boss Kannada.
He highlighted the power of storytelling and encouraged students to focus on creating original Kannada content that reflects local culture and identity. He also spoke about the growing reach of pan-Indian cinema, urging young creators to stay authentic, work consistently, and enjoy the creative process.
Keynote stresses integrity in communication
The keynote address was delivered by Nandita Lakshmanan, Founder and Chairperson of The PRactice.
Speaking on the topic “Leading with Integrity,” Lakshmanan emphasised that integrity must be the foundation of professional life.
She encouraged students to practise ethical communication, transparency, and independent thinking, while focusing on authentic storytelling that represents local communities and values.
Two decades of Shooting Stars festival
In his presidential address, Dr Charles V. Furtado, Director of the Administration Block, reflected on the two-decade legacy of the Shooting Stars festival, describing it as a significant platform that has nurtured creativity and talent among students.
He encouraged participants to uphold integrity, compassion, and authenticity in both their personal and professional lives while continuing to explore their creative abilities.
Technical sessions explore media innovation
The seminar featured engaging technical sessions conducted by media professionals.
Filmmaker Deepith Kumar led the first session, demonstrating how artificial intelligence tools can support editing and visual storytelling while maintaining the importance of original ideas and creativity.
The second technical session was led by food vlogger and influencer Laxmi Shenoy, who shared insights into digital content creation. She emphasised the importance of passion, consistency, and engaging storytelling in building a strong presence in the digital media space.
Interactive session with filmmakers
A special interactive session featured the team of the film “Kajja,” including Siddharth Shetty, Wencita Dias, Mohan, Chiral Bajjal, Prajwal ND, and Bhavish.
The filmmakers shared their experiences in the industry and encouraged students to explore opportunities in cinema production, storytelling, and media entrepreneurship.
Valedictory session and awards
During the valedictory ceremony, Chief Guest Siddharth Shetty described the students as “stars,” noting that creativity and dedication are essential for success in media and filmmaking.
Guest of Honour Dr Loveena Lobo spoke about resilience and perseverance, drawing inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi, which symbolises strength and beauty emerging from imperfections.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, recognising outstanding work in photography, documentaries, and short films presented during the festival.
Participation from faculty and students
The programme was attended by Dr Rose Veera D’Souza, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities; Bhavya Shetty, Head of the Department of Media Studies; and staff convenors Wilson Pereira and Sheedhal K Reji.
Student coordinators Nishali, Philicia, and Amreen played a key role in organising the event, while Iola and Shreya compered the programme.
“Shooting Stars 2026” successfully provided a platform for students to showcase creativity, engage with industry professionals, and explore new possibilities in media and communication.
