Glenboro roots behind National Journalism Honour

A young Media Arts graduate with roots in Glenboro is making his mark on the national stage.

Max Reid, the son of Connie and Scott Reid (née Thornborough), has been pursuing his passion for media arts since graduating from Stonewall Collegiate. That dedication recently paid off when Reid and his work associate, Zulkifl Rafah, captured bronze for Video of the Year at the prestigious Canadian University Press Awards, also known as the John H. MacDonald Award for Excellence in Student Journalism.

“It was a shock,” exclaimed Rafah. Reid smiled widely while nodding his head before laughing. “I wish I would have had a camera ready to capture the look on Rafah’s face when we found out!”

The award-winning six-minute video, titled “Dodgeball Tournament – Celebrating Accessibility and Community,” highlights how inclusive activities can bring people together. When asked how they found the topic, the pair explained that the story actually found them when one of the event organizers reached out to see if they would be interested in covering the tournament.

Throughout the video, the concept of accessibility is explored beyond its traditional meaning. As Reid interviewed UMSU President Prabhnoor Singh, it became clear that accessibility is not limited to visible disabilities but includes creating opportunities for everyone to participate.

“It’s really about getting everyone active, away from sitting and away from their desks,” Singh explained as he shared their mantra: “Accessibility doesn’t mean disability, it means inclusivity.”

Both creators commented that one of the most difficult parts of the project was editing the video down to under ten minutes.

“It’s so difficult to decide what to cut, it all seems relevant,” explained Reid.

Reid served as the on-camera interviewer and commentator, while Rafah handled the videography, with both collaborating on the editing.

Both Reid and Rafah work for the university newspaper, The Manitoban, and say their shared vision has helped make their partnership a strong one. The duo are also the voices behind a weekly podcast covering a variety of on-campus topics and events. Again with Reid infront and Rafah behind the camera.

Attending the three-day University Press awards in Vancouver also included a number of workshops and seminars conducted by well-known journalists.

“One of my biggest takeaways was that it’s better to cut your podcast down to 15 minutes packed with content than stretch it to 30 minutes with some stale air,” explained Reid, who added that the entire experience was motivating and inspiring.

“Max and I got together and started chatting, and I realized we have the same goals and our ideas really complement each other,” said Rafah.

Reid agreed wholeheartedly, adding that the two enjoy being productive and have developed a strong creative chemistry while working at The Manitoban, where they create, produce and host the weekly podcast “Toban Talks,” which explores life on campus.

Reid’s prior experience began after graduating from the Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts. He later returned to the school as a workshop educator and teacher’s assistant before serving as a technical producer for 680 CJOB radio. Reid also worked as a sound effects designer and post-production technician with Electric Monk Media on a video game production.

The award-winning project, produced as part of their work in student media, stood out amongst submissions from post-secondary institutions across the country. The honour recognizes excellence in storytelling, production, and journalistic impact through video.

Adding to the achievement, Reid and Rafah made history for the University of Manitoba as the first team from the school to receive a medal in any category at the Canadian University Press awards.

The national competition highlights some of the country’s most promising emerging journalists and provides a platform for students pursuing careers in media and communications.

With this honour already under his belt, Reid continues to build experience in interviewing and journalism, while Rafah says the entire experience has even changed his academic direction.

“Once I finish my undergraduate degree in fine arts, I plan on pursuing a degree in journalism,” he laughed. “I believe my parents were quite happy and relieved when I told them that.”

While Rafah is setting his sights on a future in journalism, Reid is considering a career as a geologist or geophysicist, possibly in Alberta or along one of Canada’s coasts. For the pair, the award-winning project was more than just a competition entry, it was a reminder that powerful stories can come from simple ideas, like a dodgeball game designed to make sure everyone has a place to play.

PHOTO CAPTION: Max Reid and Zulkifl Rafah were presented with bronze for Video of the Year at the Canadian University Press awards in Vancouver in February. PHOTO SUBMITTED