The Unveiled: University of Cyberjaya Students Showcase Emotional Intelligence Through Short Films and Exhibition
The Grand Hall at the University of Cyberjaya was filled with a rare kind of energy as Foundation in Arts (FIART) students moved beyond the classroom to showcase something deeply personal. “The Unveiled: Emotional Intelligence (EI) Exhibition & Short-Film Screening” was not just a final assessment; it was a vulnerable, creative, and powerful look into the mental and emotional lives of the next generation.
Organised by the Centre for Foundation, Language, and General Studies (CFLGS), the event served as the capstone for the Emotional Intelligence course. For these students, the challenge wasn't just to pass an exam, but to navigate the complexities of self-awareness, empathy, and teamwork to produce 11 original short films and reflective art displays.
A Gallery of 250+ Stories
The centrepiece of the event was a massive installation featuring over 250 individual canvases. A massive display of over 250 hand-painted canvases, each depicting a pair of eyes. This collection, titled The Unveiled, served as a window into the students’ inner worlds. Every painting was a unique interpretation of an emotion, such as joy, grief, anxiety, or hope, and accompanied by a personal write-up sharing the story behind the gaze.
Visitors were encouraged to do more than just look; they were invited to observe the depth of the student experience. As the exhibition tagline challenged: “See the story in their eyes. Observe the depth. Are you ready to truly see?”
Cinematic Reflections on EI
Complementing the visual art were 11 short films, collaboratively produced by the students. These films served as a capstone for the Emotional Intelligence course, creatively exploring core themes such as managing internal emotions and recognising empathy in others.
The Full Lineup Included:
- Light Shines on Each Other – For the Marks Production
- After the Fade – Beyond Lens Production
- CODE: Number 7 – CODE: Emotion Production
- Your Silent Truth – Visionary Production
- Reverie – Quiet Storm Production
- Behind The Smile – Heartline Production
- Echoes of Silence – Vyra Production
- Hue of Emotions – Final Frame Project Production
- Bonded – Silverlens Production
- The Place She Waits – Nerolite Production
- To The Mother Who Never Knew – Innerecho Production
And the Winners Are...
The competition was stiff, with industry judges noting the high level of emotional maturity in the storytelling.
- Winner: To The Mother Who Never Knew (Innerecho Production)
- 2nd Place: Bonded (Silverlens Production)
- 3rd Place: The Place She Waits (Nerolite Production)
- Consolation Prizes: Hue of Emotions (Final Frame Project) & Your Silent Truth (Visionary Production)
The winning film, "To The Mother Who Never Knew," directed by Myra Andria and co-directed by Adina Shazlin, left the audience in contemplative silence. Written by Alya Hannah, Nur Haziqah, and Adam Affan, the film follows Eryna, a young woman who survived an emotionally volatile home by suppressing her feelings behind a composed facade. Her journey toward healing begins while volunteering at a hospital, where she cares for an elderly woman. Through reading her own secret poetry, verses born of her trauma, fragments of her childhood resurface, allowing her to finally feel heard and begin the process of unmasking her true self.
“This project wasn't just about the final product; it was about the process,” explained the subject lecturer, Miss Atiqah Jani (K.B.,P.A.). “Students had to navigate real-world conflicts and practice the very EI skills they were studying, such as self-awareness, empathy, and self-control to bring these stories to life. It’s education in its most experiential form.”
Connecting the Classroom to the World
By prioritising emotional literacy, the exhibition aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
The impact was felt most by the students themselves. Jarai Nyassi, Semester 1 Class Representative, noted, “The class helped me communicate more effectively and respond to situations with greater self-control. It made me more confident in handling both personal and social challenges.” Suchita A/P Surendran, Semester 3 Class Representative, added a personal note of gratitude for her lecturer: “I learned to pause and understand what I’m feeling instead of avoiding it. I’m really thankful for Miss AJ and her patience and support made everything so much easier to understand and apply. This class has definitely made a difference in my life.”
Industry Insights
The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished industry practitioners who provided professional feedback, bridging the gap between student projects and the industry:
- Mr. Ausz Din, Resident Film Director, DirectorsThinkTank
- Mr. Megat Mohd ‘Adli, Award-winning Actor & Scriptwriter
- Mr. Muhammad Adli Badrudin, Actor & Voice Actor
- Mr. Harith Amirrul Mat Halim, Creative Practitioner, Director & Scriptwriter
- Mr. Azizul Wahab, Art & Media Practitioner
The University of Cyberjaya (UoC) is a top-tier institution dedicated to holistic education. Through the Centre for Foundation, Language, and General Studies (CFLGS), UoC ensures that students are equipped not just with academic knowledge, but with the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills necessary for professional and personal success.
