Since the first ISMA held in Qingdao in 2017, followed by the second edition in Guiyang in 2018, the third in Shanghai-Malaysia in 2019, the fourth at Middle Tennessee State University in the United States in 2023, and the fifth at Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea in 2024, the International Student Media Arts Festival (ISMA) has successfully organized five editions. The event has attracted participation from nearly 100 international universities across 15 countries. ISMA is committed to fostering creative exchange and cross-cultural collaboration among university students worldwide, emphasizing the role of artistic creation in social responsibility and global sustainable development. Through the Media Arts Competition, the 72-hour Workshop, and the Academic Forum, ISMA provides a platform for students to showcase their talents and exchange ideas. 

 

Amidst the rapid evolution of globalization and technological advancements, ISMA underscores the impact of future media on society, culture, and urban development. The 6th ISMA, to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2025, will center around the theme “Environment Rivers and People,” encouraging students to explore the relationship between humanity, nature, technology, and society through film, animation, new media arts, and AI-generated works. The event will comprise an online Media Arts Competition, an in-person 72-hour Workshop, and a Professors’ Academic Forum, bringing together global scholars and creators to collectively examine the future trajectory of media.

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ISMA is more than just an international exhibition and competition for artistic creation; it serves as a bridge connecting diverse cultures and fostering expressions of creativity. Its mission is to inspire young people to engage with pressing social issues through creative works, facilitate collaboration among international university students, and nurture a sense of responsibility and global perspective. Acting together for a better future has always been the core mission of ISMA.