The Abu Dhabi government, represented by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New York Film Academy (NYFA) yesterday in New York
to establish a world-class film school devoted to further develop the film industry in the UAE. The MOU was signed by H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Director General ADACH, and Jerry Sherlock, Director, President and Founder of the NYFA as well as Michael Young, Provost and Director of Education.
"Our nation's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, created a huge momentum in educating and developing our country. Naturally, we want to maintain the momentum by investing in our future generations to provide with the skills they need to promote the culture, and develop new forms of expression," commented H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADACH.
The new school will be an addition to the Academy's existing numerous locations and will help position the Emirate as a leading center for film education. The film and acting school is scheduled to open in January 2008 and will house talent from all around the region, positioning Abu Dhabi as a new hub for the film-making industry.
Commenting on the partnership, H.E. Al Mazrouie said: “today's signing represents our determination to create a world-class film school for our citizens who are eager to pursue careers in filmmaking.” Al Mazrouie further emphasized that ADACH's mission is to promote culture and the arts throughout Abu Dhabi. This association with the NYFA will help support artistic talent and create an environment conducive to strong cultural and artistic expressions. “It is my hope that this initiative, along with other projects, such as the Middle East International Film Festival, will aid us in achieving our mission of promoting culture in Abu Dhabi."
Jerry Sherlock, Director of the NYFA, said; "The signing of this agreement reflects the school's belief that film is the international literature of the 21st century through which individuals, communities and nations express their most profound visions of humanity to the world."
ADACH is the government institution in charge of looking after, conserving and promoting the heritage and culture of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The ADACH Board is headed by H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan.
