MFA conducts its second series of Film Production workshops, in association with Dubai Studio City

Based on a successful response to its initial program held in January, 2005, MFA is currently conducting their second Film Production Program, at the Dubai Knowledge Village, from May 29 - June 23, 2005.

MFA is also in talks with Dubai Studio City (DSC) for plans to further boost Dubai's rapidly emerging film industry. "Dubai Studio City is proud to support and host the MFA training program. Developing talent is a crucial aspect of enhancing the film industry in the UAE. Workshops and programs such as the one provided by MFA are immensely useful in raising standards, and keeping local talent up to date with new industry trends. It will also generate interest in Dubai as destination for film production," commented Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Director of Dubai Studio City.

"The demand for such workshops is coming from all over the UAE and the region. Dubai is a suitable hub for such workshops. Moreover, once the infrastructure at Dubai Studio City is in place, training institutes and academies such as the MFA can greatly benefit from it by providing workshops on a frequent basis, and longer term courses," she elaborated. "This is exactly what we are in talks with MFA about."

"Manhattan Film Academy is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a part of the Dubai Studio City. With its wide range of film production and postproduction facilities, Dubai Studio City will be a perfect place in the Middle East, for us to offer a number of film production classes in a fully professional environment. Faced with a growing interest in the MFA courses from numerous organizations and individuals from virtually all countries in the region, we want to set up MFA regional headquarters in the Dubai Studio City and run a permanent MFA-DSC film program serving the Middle East," commented MFA Founder and President, Robert Tutak.

"Our special gratitude goes to Dr Amina AlRustamani, Director of Dubai Studio City, Maha Al Amir, Marketing Manager, Deepa Asnani, Corporate Communications, and other Dubai Studio City officials for their continuing support of our efforts," he added.

The program has met with an overwhelming response from media professionals in Dubai. Advertising executives, TV correspondent, art directors, and interior designers are among the MFA-Dubai participants. They come from all over the UAE and the Middle East: India, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, as well as from Europe.

The next MFA-Dubai Film Production Program offering intensive hands-on courses in film production, picture & sound editing, and screenwriting, is tentatively scheduled to take place from September 26 to October 20, 2005. In addition to the regular MFA offerings, this program will bring to Dubai intensive hands-on courses in cinematography and directing, which are the next steps leading toward setting up a permanent MFA Film Production Program in Dubai.

In collaboration with Brooklyn College of the City University of New York and local Dubai investors, Manhattan Film Academy is ready to offer in Dubai a US certified Bachelor of Arts Degree in film, as early as spring 2006.