Manama, The Ministry of Information concluded its series of introductory meetings for the Media Talents Award 2024 in acting for television, cinema, and theatre. The meetings, held at universities, educational institutions, and youth centres across Bahrain, aimed to strengthen ties between young people and the creative industries. The sessions featured renowned artists and directors, sharing stories about their journeys in the arts to inspire young talents. The final event took place at the British University of Bahrain, with actors Ahmed Mubarak, Muna Fairouz, and Samah Zaidan sharing their experiences and careers in the field. They emphasised the importance of the award in opening new doors for young Bahrainis to explore opportunities in the arts. Ahmed Mubarak shared that his acting career began unexpectedly when a friend suggested him for a role during a theatre rehearsal. This unplanned opportunity marked the start of his career in acting, shaping his future in the field. Mubarak described the Media T alents Award 2024 as a golden opportunity for young talent in acting, noting that initiatives like this energise Bahrain's artistic scene. He encouraged young people to seize the opportunity, develop their skills, and strive to compete on both local and international stages, stating that the path to success begins with taking bold steps and embracing available opportunities. Muna Fairouz noted that Bahrain's artistic and media landscape continues to evolve, and the Media Talents Award provides a valuable platform for discovering and nurturing genuine talent, allowing them to reach new heights in the world of arts and media. She added that acting is both a personal challenge and a way to express oneself, connect with audiences, and achieve success. Muna Fairouz recalled how she frequently visited the theatre, observing rehearsals from the back seats. Her mentor, Nedal Al Attawi, eventually encouraged her to step onto the stage, leading to her first performance at Muharraq Club. This experience marked the beg inning of her acting career. Fairouz went on to present TV programmes and serve as a weather presenter, expressing pride in the progress she made in her career, which started with her first experience on stage. Samah Zaidan highlighted the critical role of training in acting, pointing out that many international actors rely on acting coaches to improve their skills. However, such training can be costly and was not widely available in the past. She emphasised that the Media Talents Award 2024 offers young actors an opportunity she wishes had been available when she started her career. Zaidan explained how her background in media helped refine her acting skills and allowed her to transition confidently into the field. She began with commercial advertisements and later moved to TV dramas, which became a turning point in her career. Zaidan encouraged aspiring young talents to take advantage of these opportunities, stressing that success in the arts requires passion and dedication. She highlighted that the awa rd is a significant step towards realising artistic dreams in Bahrain. The event, attended by academics and students, featured a presentation from the award committee on the Media Talents Award 2024, which focuses on acting for television, cinema, and theatre. Applications for the award close on October 5, 2024. Source: Bahrain News Agency