Creativity, Information, Influence: The Opening of the Media Festival at BSPU

On May 12, the First Regional Open Media Festival “MediaFest 2026” was launched at Berdyansk State Pedagogical University. The festival is organized by the Department of Ukrainian Language and Journalism of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. The event brings together secondary school and university students who aspire to realize themselves in the fields of modern media, journalism, photography, and video production.

The theme of this year’s festival is “About Important Things in Media: People, Events, Changes.” Participants are invited to reflect on current social processes, personal stories, significant events, and transformations shaping contemporary Ukrainian society through their creative works. The organizers place special emphasis on topics such as human resilience, mutual support, community development, and positive changes in the country.

The media festival aims to become a platform for young people’s self-expression and the development of their professional skills in media production. The competition also promotes critical thinking, media literacy, and a responsible attitude toward creating and disseminating information.

Participants may submit their works in four categories: “Best Video,” “Best Meme,” “Best Photo Work,” and “Best Storytelling.” Secondary school students (grades 9–11) and higher education students are invited to participate.

The submission of конкурс works will continue until May 27, 2026. The festival results will be announced on June 6 – Journalist’s Day – during an online broadcast of the best works and the award ceremony for the winners.

The organizers are convinced that “MediaFest 2026” will become not only a creative competition but also a space for dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and support for young authors who seek to speak about important issues through media. The festival aims to unite active and socially conscious youth, give them an opportunity to be heard, and demonstrate that modern media can not only inform but also inspire change.

Oleksandr Shevchenko,
second-year student,
specialty 061 Journalism