MIAMI, March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- South Florida high school students are participating the week of March 8 in media and film related projects that help prepare them for future career opportunities in the multimedia industry. The 27th edition of the Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) opens tonight in Miami and lasts through March 14, produced and hosted by Miami Dade College. With 115 films from 45 countries, including five world premieres, 22 North American premieres and 14 U.S. premieres, the festival features a number of competition categories -- including Ibero-American, World, Cutting the Edge and Shorts -- and special sections such as REEL Education Seminar Series and the inaugural Diesel Online Shorts Competition.

This year, Miami's St. Thomas University has joined MIFF as an educational partner, hosting on-campus screenings from the festival's selection for South Florida juniors and seniors from Miami-Dade County public schools. "We are pleased to host a forum where students can view outstanding cinema free of charge, engage  in critical thinking and participate in interactive sessions that evaluate production, casting, multicultural issues, visual media effects and other communication aspects," says Marivi Prado, Chief Marketing Officer for the University. "In today's competitive workplace, courses on visual media, photojournalism and video gaming paired with media internships and hands-on experience provide students with the speaking, analytical, report writing and microcomputer application skills that are undoubtedly communication strengths when searching for jobs."

St. Thomas' School of Leadership Studies Dean, Dr. Gloria Ruiz, leads the distinguished faculty group of its Institute for Communication, Entertainment and Media. Special topics included at the undergraduate level explore current trends in media and communication as well as an introduction to film. The Institute's nationally recognized graduate level specialization in Electronic Media has been developing leaders in varied communication environments.  

"As a Catholic institution, the social justice mission is well knitted into the Institute's curriculum and activities, "says Dean Ruiz. "Prior to the recent Haiti tragedy, STU faculty, staff and students -- led by Professor Marcela Moyano-Rosero -- produced a documentary -- Blooming Hope -- in one of Haiti's poorest regions that chronicled an outstanding series of social justice and empowerment initiatives conducted by the STU team. The film captured the spirit of the Haitian people and takes viewers to Haiti's stunning mountains, ocean and scenery while contributing to fundraising efforts for our impoverished neighbors." Those interested in assisting Haiti through the documentary project -- including screenings of Blooming Hope -- can email Dean Ruiz at gruiz@stu.edu.

SOURCE St. Thomas University

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