Reported by: Eden Palmer
Kingston, Jamaica, May 2, 2025- Final-year Bachelor of Communication Arts and Technology (BaCAT) student, Brianna Clarke, emerged as the top performer at the University of Technology, Jamaica’s (UTech, Ja) Media Magnified 2025, winning Most Outstanding Project for the year group and top student in her category for her documentary “The Fertile Fault Line.” The winning project explored climate action around food production cycles. “The Fertile Fault Line” challenges the belief that climate change is detached from the individuals’ lived experiences, specifically how it affects the affordability and availability of food.
Clarke expressed joy and gratitude for the recognition, sharing that “It really pleases me to see that my hard work has paid off and I hope I can inspire someone to do the same.” Reflecting on her process, Clarke said creating the documentary was more enjoyable than challenging, attributing her ease to genuine passion. Her advice to upcoming students: “Never be afraid to ask for help or fail; sometimes it is in failure that you find what is needed.”
Media Project lecturer, Kerry-Anne Smith McIntosh, stated that Brianna’s win is a testament of her hard work, early conceptualisation and thorough research. She further mentioned that research and pre-production are often underestimated, which are the backbone for a solid execution.
Praising the creators
Attendees at Media Magnified were treated to live screenings, interactive installations, and conversations with student creators. Media professionals and industry stakeholders applauded the talent on display. Journalist Raquel Porter of RJR Communications Group remarked, “Some of what I’ve seen today should and must be on national television.” Similarly, Javaughn Keyes, Group Corporate Communications Manager at Sagicor Group Jamaica Ltd., commented, “There is a solid future in journalism, showing solid bodies of research, with an eye for detail and ultimately producing excellence.”
Dr. Warrick Lattibeaudaire, Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, praised the students’ work: “It was quite exceptional. The students explored their creativity, and it really showed all the talent they have developed with excellence.” He encouraged the prospective graduates to embrace the future with confidence, reminding them that they already have the talent to tackle the challenges.
Media Project Assessment
Media Magnified 2025 marked the culminating showcase for BaCAT final-year students and this year carried the theme “Creative Minds in Focus” The exhibition featured multimedia projects across journalism, advertising, film, photography, public relations, radio, digital media, and graphic design. These works represented the results of four years of study, blending research, production, and creativity and were adjudicated by a panel consisting of BaCAT staff and industry professionals,
Smith-McIntosh cited that students were challenged to present and defend their media projects before the panel. “ Brianna wowed in both aspects” impressing both internal and external assessors. “Credit must be given to her internal motivation and among many factors, a diligent advisor/supervisor, Mr. Joshua Paul” Smith- McIntosh continued. Alongside Clarke, Rajae Noble (Campaign), Asheika Gutzmer (Audio), Keiba Gordon (Website), and Shara-Sydni Stewart (Text and Image) were recognized as category winners, each demonstrating outstanding talent and dedication to their craft.
In her well-wishes to this cohort, she further expressed they did well overall, referencing their ‘out of the box ideas’ to produce standout pieces. “I do wish them all the best in their endeavours. I must also thank the advisors and assessors (internal and external) who were highly motivated and a joy to work with.”
About BaCAT
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BaCAT), offered through the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies at UTech, Ja, is a multidisciplinary programme designed to equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge in media, communication, and the creative industries. Media Magnified, a flagship event for the BaCAT programme, functions as a platform for students to demonstrate those skills garnered using any communication medium.
