As part of the CinefestOz film festival, our Year 10 to 12 Media students had the privilege of meeting award-winning animator Radheya Jegatheva, who provided an in-depth look at the world of animation and the process behind his acclaimed short film, Bird Drone. Mr Jegatheva’s visit offered invaluable insights into the animation framework, from concept to completion, while inspiring the next generation of filmmakers with his personal experiences and advice.

Mr Jegatheva, whose work has been recognised globally, emphasised the importance of understanding the entire creative process. “I wanted the students to walk away with an understanding of the animation pipeline, and the processes that go into making a short film, whether at an emerging or industry level,” he shared. “When I was in high school, I did not have access to Media as a subject, so it is really exciting for me to talk to students who are already making films and are so passionate about their projects.”

He encouraged students to make the most of the resources available to them, especially early on. “In high school, I spent my spare time learning and watching tutorials,” Radheya explained. “I can see that students here have access fantastic tools like the Creative Cloud suite, and some are already using them, which is awesome. My advice is to take full advantage of these resources and keep honing your skills, especially since there are so many free learning opportunities out there.”

Year 11 students, Jonathan and Ethan, found Mr Jegatheva’s presentation particularly inspiring. Jonathan noted, “It gave us a deep insight into the world of animation, something we had not explored much before, but now I am eager to incorporate it into future films.” Ethan agreed, “It was eye-opening to learn how even experienced filmmakers go through moments of doubt about their work. It made me realize that’s just part of the creative process.”

Mr Jegatheva’s message resonated with the students, particularly his advice on persistence and creativity. “The creative process is not always easy, and there will be moments of self-doubt,” he said. “But it’s important to push through and keep creating. Every film, every project, is a step towards improving your craft.”

Mr Jegatheva’s visit was a powerful reminder of the potential within young amateur filmmakers, offering them a unique chance to learn from an industry professional. CinefestOz continues to foster these creative connections, bridging the gap between emerging talent and experienced creators, and providing inspiration for the next wave of filmmakers.