Narendra Menon, Chitra Arya and Sulthan Khan address the media in Dubai. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The coronavirus pandemic has not just caused immense pain and suffering, it has also transformed the world within a short span of six-seven months.

Realising that the worldwide pandemic is not going to end soon, people have come up with innovative ideas to limit its impact on their professional life.

“Going solo” is just one such idea that is inspiring people in various spheres of life.

“Film industry has been hit hard due to this pandemic. Filmmaking needs people with specialisation in various fields to come together, which is not possible due to the safety measures. Since creative people cannot sit idle, it is time for them to try their hands on different aspects of their fields,” said Sulthan Khan, a nature and wildlife filmmaker-photographer based in Dubai.

During the past few months, Khan made a number of short films, all alone.

“It was a great experience. I am thrilled as people loved it when I released the films on social media platforms,” he said.

Elated by the response, Khan collaborated with Nikon to launch a film competition for high school and university students, aged 15-21 years, based in the UAE.

It inspires youth to come up with ideas, write scripts, prepare storyboard, and shoot the film in the city, desert or wadis of the emirates, alone.

There is no restriction of theme or language for the qualifying round. Entries can be submitted by Jan.14.

The organisers will select 10 finalists, who will get a chance to attend a “Videography with Z” bootcamp led by filmmaker Sulthan Khan and head of Nikon Kids Photo Club, Chitra Arya.

The 10 finalists will be loaned a Nikon camera and lenses with which they will create their final film entry, which will be a 3-10 minutes film with the theme of “Future Proof.”

“In a time where change can occur globally at the speed of thought, this competition offers you a chance to contribute to the creation of a brighter, more secure, and more united future for all,” said Narendra Menon, MD, Nikon Middle East and Africa.

Along with the final film entry, finalists will also be required to submit a film poster. Three best films will be screened in Dubai.