MAHE Dubai and Cininfo partner to elevate filmmaking talent in the UAE

In a groundbreaking move set to transform the landscape of film and creative industries in the region, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai Campus (MAHE Dubai) and Cininfo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for an exciting synergy between academia and the entertainment sector.

The MoU, signed by Academic President Dr. S. Sudhindra on behalf of MAHE Dubai and Co-Founder & CEO Dina Banerjee on behalf of Cininfo, signifies a shared commitment to nurturing emerging talent with opportunities for real-world industry experiences. (Cininfo has been co-founded by Dina Banerjee and Raghav Gupta, who also serves as the COO.) The signing took place in the presence of Prof. Elsa Ashish Thomas, Chairperson of Manipal Institute of Liberal Arts (MILA), MAHE Dubai, along with award-winning Emirati director and scriptwriter Maitha Alawadi and casting director & auditioning coach Shivam Gupta, further reinforcing the collaboration’s significance in shaping the future of filmmaking talent in the UAE.

This dynamic partnership will open a wealth of opportunities, including industry-led projects, internships, job placements, and collaborative research initiatives. Additionally, students can look forward to exclusive workshops, masterclasses, guest lectures, and networking sessions led by industry stalwarts.

Cininfo’s vision for the collaboration extends beyond education, with the launch of the much-anticipated ‘UAE Filmmakers Hub’ at MAHE Dubai. As an official venue and event partner, MAHE Dubai will host Cininfo’s flagship events and workshops, providing aspiring filmmakers and creatives with unparalleled access to mentorship and industry insights.

"We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed Manipal Institute of Liberal Arts (MILA) - MAHE Dubai to build a strong foundation for students and aspiring filmmakers to learn, grow, and navigate their careers in the Film and Entertainment industry," said Dina Banerjee (Co-Founder & CEO) and Raghav Gupta (Co-Founder & COO) of Cininfo in a joint statement. "This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in strengthening the creative ecosystem in the UAE."

Academic President of MAHE Dubai, Dr S. Sudhindra, highlighted the significance of this partnership:
“At MAHE Dubai, we strive to bridge academia and industry, ensuring our students are not just educated but industry ready. This partnership with Cininfo reinforces our commitment to hands-on learning that go beyond the classroom. We look forward to seeing our students thrive in the world of film and media with the support of this invaluable partnership.”

Chairperson of MILA, Prof. Elsa Ashish Thomas, emphasised the importance of such collaborations on creative education: "Storytelling is at the heart of human experience, and partnerships like these empower students to become not just skilled professionals but visionary artists. At MILA, we believe in learning through doing, and this MoU with Cininfo will open new pathways for students to explore, create, and innovate in the ever-evolving film and media landscape."

Adding to the enthusiasm, Maitha Alawadi expressed her excitement about the collaboration: “Collaborating with Cininfo for filmmakers alongside an esteemed institution like Manipal Dubai has been nothing short of transformative.”

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with brilliant creative minds, and this partnership has deepened my passion for cinematic storytelling. The fusion of artistic vision with academic excellence inspires me every day, and I eagerly look forward to the groundbreaking projects we will create together.”

Shivam Gupta echoed the sentiment, “Conducting the Cininfo Actors Workshop at Manipal University (MAHE) Dubai has been an incredible experience. My association with Cininfo over the past two years has been a wonderful journey — meeting talented aspirants in India and now discovering new ones in Dubai. This new partnership between Cininfo and MAHE Manipal Dubai is truly exciting, and I look forward to many great initiatives ahead.”

With this collaboration, MILA - MAHE Dubai and Cininfo are set to redefine creative education and industry engagement, empowering students and young filmmakers to thrive in an evolving global landscape.