Manama : As part of a series of events organised by the Ministry of Information in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, a briefing for the second edition of the “Media Talents Award 2024” in the category of acting for television, cinema, and theatre, was held at the Muharraq Model Youth Centre. The event featured renowned director Ahmed Yacoub Al Moqla and actress Salwa Al Jarrash, who shared their professional expertise in directing and acting, highlighting key challenges, steps to success, and achieving goals in the industry.
Moderated by Maryam Hassan and Yousif Ahmed, both participants in the first edition of the Media Talents Award, the session included director Ahmed Yacoub Al Moqla reflecting on his early passion for television, which began during his preparatory school years. He recounted how he would spend hours in front of the screen, imitating characters he watched. Al Moqla’s career started with Bahrain Television as an assistant director in 1982, during which he worked on various programmes and productions.
Al Moqla acknowledged the many challenges he faced, despite his achievements, noting that these difficulties only strengthened his resolve to continue in the field he loved. He emphasised the importance of developing skills, gaining experience, and learning from predecessors, which ultimately contributed to his success as a director.
He stressed that talent often just needs an opportunity to shine, underscoring that the Media Talents Award 2024 offers a valuable opportunity for youth and all talented individuals in acting. Al Moqla described the award as more than a competition, seeing it as a genuine platform for discovering young talent and guiding them towards professionalism. The award provides participants with the chance to learn and train under industry experts, opening new horizons for aspiring actors.
Actress Salwa Al Jarrash spoke about her journey, which began with her participation in the singing programme “Nujoom Al Khaleej 2” (Gulf Stars 2). She discussed the challenges she encountered throughout her career, especially during her early years when she lacked experience. Al Jarrash noted that her career was marked by both successes and setbacks, common for those starting young in the entertainment industry.
Al Jarrash highlighted the significance of the Media Talents Award, explaining that it plays a crucial role in supporting emerging talent. She pointed out that many artists had longed for such large-scale programmes at the start of their careers, as it would have significantly eased their path.
She concluded by noting that the award offers young talents a supportive environment and real practical experience, allowing them to professionally develop their skills.
The event, attended by several artists and young individuals representing various youth clubs and centres, included a presentation by the award committee outlining the details of the “Media Talents Award 2024” in the category of acting for television, cinema, and theatre.
