MJ Rheault-Kihara: Bachelor of Media Production and Design
MJ Rheault-Kihara enrolled in the Media Production and Design program with a passion for photography — but also with some uncertainty about where that interest might lead. Four years later, the program has empowered them to experiment with multimedia storytelling.
“MPAD really aligned with my goals because it’s so broad: we were able to explore photography, graphic design, audio, and video, which helped me develop a well-rounded skill set and grow creatively,” says Rheault-Kihara, who is described as one of the program’s most talented video editors.
But it went beyond technical skills, as Rheault-Kihara began to explore her creative mission.
“The most important thing is knowing your own value and your reason for creating,” she explains. “It’s not just about expressing yourself—it’s about helping others share their stories, too.”
In Rheault-Kihara’s case, the message has reflected progressive politics. She partnered with Communication and Media Studies Professor Chris Russill for her fourth-year capstone project. It featured a documentary and social campaign to educate people about greenwashing, one of the issues discussed in Russill’s Re:Climate project.
Collaborating with others has been one of the highlights of the program for Rheault-Kihara. They are continuing to work on video documentaries; the next one will profile the pro-Palestinian community in Ottawa.