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One of America's finest film schools is stating its commitment to the Middle East as directors prepare to open its doors in the UAE.
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:55 October 17, 2007
- "We will nurture talent and mould home-grown actors, directors and filmmakers," says the school’s director John Sammon (right).
- Image Credit: Tracy Brand/Gulf News
One of America's finest film schools is stating its commitment to the Middle East as directors prepare to open its doors in the UAE.
The New York Film Academy (NYFA), which already runs courses in the UK, China, France, Spain, Italy and Ireland, is opening a dedicated training school in Abu Dhabi.
Cultural capital
Due to open on February 3, directors Michael Young and John Sammon are certain the school will help in the capital city's bid to become an arts and cultural city of excellence.
Young, director of the international operations of the NYFA, said he thought the school would offer something amazing to the Middle East region.
He said: "The academy will offer an option for future film makers from this region. We already have more than 100 people enrolled for early next year and hope for those numbers to grow. The students will be made up of local talent with a fraction of the enrolment from abroad.
More options
"Equally, because the students from this region are already living out of the native countries, that breakdown will happen naturally. The centre will give people the chance to study in their own country without having to travel - which will give options to more people than in the past."
The world-class film school will offer one-year filmmaking programmes and acting-for-filmmaking courses.
Sammon, who has been appointed as the new director for the NYFA in Abu Dhabi, says he is nothing but excited about the opening.
He said: "The reality of this initiative is that there will be 800 films produced by local people made in the first year. Each of our 100 students has to write, produce and direct eight films each in the first 12 months. That alone increases the number of local films made which is only a good thing for the future of film in the Middle East, We will nurture talent and mould home-grown actors, directors and filmmakers."
The NYFA's one and two-year conservatory programmes and short-term workshops have open enrolment. Serious applicants from all backgrounds are welcome to apply and no previous experience is required.
But be warned - all NYFA programmes are extremely intensive.
Young said: "Students have to be prepared to live and breathe their work during their course. Given the nature of filmmaking students have to be willing to devote themselves not only to their own work but to that of their classmates too."
One-year filmmaking students shoot on 16mm, 35mm and digital video. The equipment available will be equivalent to that used by leading degree programmes in the Middle East.
Sammon added: "The facilities will be first rate. The NYFC is renowned for having the highest student-to-equipment ratio in film schools around the world. A great way to learn."
On the web
For more information about the school, visit www.nyfa.com
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