The Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts now accepting applications to the second MFA class

The first class of 21 young men and women with diverse backgrounds were brought together by a shared passion for screen-based story-telling.

The two year, full time MFA in Cinematic Arts Program at RSICA has been tailor- designed with research and consultation from a selection of the most successful film schools in the world. The MFA curriculum has been designed specifically for needs of the region; to produce industry-ready graduates who are skilled craftspeople, and highly employable critical thinkers, professionally trained and experienced in all areas of pre-production, production, and post-production.

Graduates will have mastered a wide range of practical, creative and business skills, working in teams to create signature pieces in a variety of fiction, documentary and experimental forms that will have regional and international distribution. The inaugural class of MFA students at RSICA are currently in the midst of their first semester, with several exceptional student projects already being created, screened and evaluated on a regular basis.

The unique, professionally-equipped RSICA campus in the Red Sea resort town of Aqaba offers an intensive learning environment based on teamwork and theory in practice, led by an exceptional international faculty. The school's admission will be based on evidence of potential and talent through a portfolio of creative work, not limited to film or media examples, and personal interview. Application is open to individuals from the Middle East with a Bachelor's degree in any subject, and a number of scholarships will be available based on financial need and competitive talent.

Applications are currently being accepted until the deadline of January 31st 2009 for those seeking admission to next year's MFA in Cinematic Arts' class, set to begin in September 2009.

Commenting on this official inauguration, Mr. James Hindman, The Chief Academic Officer at RSICA said:

"RSICA has become an amazing resource for Jordan and the Middle East in a very short period at time. The first class is doing exceptionally well and we really look forward to seeing what the next class will bring."

Through the ongoing support of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, and in historic partnership with the University Of Southern California's School Of Cinematic Arts, RSICA is set to graduate its first class in the year 2010.