The May 2024 Student Film Festival was far more than a cultural event; the student council masterfully repurposed it as a hands-on incubator for Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Acknowledging the rise of the “gig economy,” the council implemented mandatory operational requirements that mirrored a professional startup environment. Teams were compelled to draft realistic production schedules and detailed resource allocation plans, forcing them to confront the logistics and financial accountability necessary for any creative project. This initiative was designed to embed a professional work ethic early, teaching students that success in the creative field relies on sound management, punctuality, and fiscal responsibilityโall essential elements for generating sustainable economic activity and fostering future decent employment.
The success of the May 2024 Film Festival provides a dynamic case study for institutional support of economic growth through the arts. By demanding professional rigor and emphasizing ethical labor practices, the student council transformed a recreational competition into a genuine launchpad for careers grounded in SDG 8’s principles. The event empowered students to view their creative skills as not just talent, but as a source of sustainable economic contribution. The festivalโs legacy is a generation of emerging professionals prepared to enter the workforce with both artistic mastery and a deep-seated commitment to demanding and delivering decent work for all.
