MUMBAI, May 2026: In a landmark season for Mumbai’s premier postgraduate media school, the MET Institute of Mass Media (MET IMM) has celebrated two major international milestones: prestigious student internships at Cannes Lions 2026 in France and a high-profile win at the Indian International Film Festival (IIFF).
MET IMM students Akshata Hegde and Althea Annie Sequeira secured highly competitive, three-month internships with N H Studioz. Embedded within the international film distribution department of a global film business, they took on substantive responsibilities that extended far beyond standard intern duties. Their hands-on experience encompassed international film sales, global buyer business development, client network expansion, and strategic film branding.
Cannes Lions brings together elite professionals from over 90 countries annually. Because the festival’s selection process is purely merit-driven and highly competitive, the students’ ability to manage advanced, industry-level work serves as a powerful testament to both their personal capability and the rigorous academic training provided by MET IMM.
Adding to the institute’s momentum, a student-produced documentary titled The White House of Circles won recognition at the Indian International Film Festival (IIFF). The film explores the intricate world of Warli painting—one of India’s oldest indigenous art forms—by balancing a deep aesthetic appreciation with rich social commentary. This accolade reinforces MET IMM’s strength in film education and its commitment to meaningful, culturally resonant storytelling.
Reacting to the achievements, Dr. Priya Menon Nair of the MET Institute of Mass Media, stated, “We have always believed that the best education happens when classroom studies are supplemented with real-world experience. The prestigious Cannes internships combined with our IIFF recognition speaks to the kind of students MET IMM produces: ones who are ready before the industry expects them to be.”
Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon. Trustee of MET, shared his pride, noting that these dual recognitions validate the institution’s core mission. He highlighted that seeing MET IMM students hold their own against top global talent proves that the institute is successfully taking its dedication to storytelling and professional excellence to the world’s biggest stages.
Established in 2005 under the Mumbai Educational Trust, MET IMM is a top-tier media institution boasting a Diamond rating from the QS I-GAUGE Indian College Rating (2025) and strong partnerships with industry giants like Netflix, Ogilvy, and Disney Star.
