ABOUT NYFA-ABU DHABI

NYFA-Abu Dhabi is a project of
the Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage (ADACH).

In keeping with the vision of Director General, H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, to establish Abu Dhabi as a center for film and television in the Middle East, the school holds intensive hand-on programs for Emirati and international students in filmmaking and acting for film.

THE ABU DHABI AUTHORITY FOR CULTURE & HERITAGE

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is the institution in charge of conserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi. Established in October 2005 as an authority of the Government of Abu Dhabi, it is administered by a board of directors chaired by H. E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan.

In 2008 ADACH invited the New York Film Academy to offer film and acting programs at the Abu Dhabi film school to help make Abu Dhabi an educational center for the nascent film industry in the United Arab Emirates and in the region.

The emirate of Abu Dhabi has made a massive commitment to developing the film and television industry in the region as well as promoting international culture and art. Among the projects launched by the Authority for Culture and Heritage are the Middle East International Film Festival, new film studios in Studio City, a Middle East Film Fund, a National Film Commission, an Abu Dhabi branch of the classical Louvre Museum, and a Frank Gehry designed branch of the modern Whitney Museum. Students in Abu Dhabi, will be thrilled to be a part of this burgeoning renaissance of film, art, and culture.

Abu Dhabi - Study in Contrasts

Abu Dhabi brings together old world charm and cosmopolitan sophistication in a clean and safe environment. It offers a distinctive blend of east and west. Abu Dhabi is proud of its ancient Bedouin culture and heritage and carries on the traditions of desert hospitality, welcoming newcomers with genuine warmth and friendliness. International film lovers who first experienced the cinematic grandeur of Arabia through the majestic cinematography of films like Lawrence of Arabia will marvel at the emirate’s endless unspoiled beaches, the tranquility of its desert, its rugged mountain scenery and its lush green oases. They may also be surprised to find at its center, a dynamic 21st century capital city. Much of the Abu Dhabi emirate is made up of the Rub Al Khali (or Empty Quarter), a vast arid desert famous for its spectacular sand dunes. This is a different world from the Manhattan-like skyline of Abu Dhabi city. Then there is Al Ain, the garden city on the emirate’s border with Oman, the Liwa oasis set amidst towering red dunes and much more to inspire the filmmaker. Popular past times include falconry which dates back to the 1st century BC, desert sojourns, and scuba diving. The waters around the UAE are rich in a variety of marine and coral life, and it is possible to dive all year round in the warm seas.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi is the name of both the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the largest of the seven individual emirates that make up the country. The UAE was created as a federation and became a unified independent sovereign state in 1971. With some 10% of the world’s known oil reserves, Abu Dhabi ranks as the richest of the emirates and a global economic powerhouse in its own right.

ENROLLMENT

Programs and short-term workshops have an open enrollment. Serious students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. No previous experience is required. However, all programs are extremely intensive. Students who enroll should be prepared to live and breathe their work during the course of their studies. Given the nature of filmmaking and the necessity of working in crews, students must be willing to devote themselves not only to their own projects, but to their classmates’ projects as well.
As space is limited, we recommend early application to guarantee a place in the program of your choice. All courses are taught in English.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Every program is full-time, with classes or shooting organized nearly every day of the week. The schedules are rigorous, however, students will have the opportunity to explore the nearly infinite cultural offerings around town.

EQUIPMENT

Film students shoot on 16mm, HD, Red One, Super-16mm and 35mm cameras depending on the program. Students in all filmmaking programs and workshops edit using Final Cut Pro on Apple computers. The production equipment is comparable to that of the leading degree programs in the United States.

FACULTY

The President of NYFA-Abu Dhabi is Dr. Simon Hunter who developed his experience in media and teaching as a Director of the Centre for Film, Television and Screen-based Media at Bond University. In addition to his exceptional academic achievements, Dr. Hunter professional writing credits include feature films and television series for Columbia Tri-Star, Fox, NBC, and Australian television. The faculty of the Abu Dhabi film school is comprised of seasoned professionals from around the world who have a passion for communicating their knowledge and mentoring aspiring filmmakers and actors.

FINAL Screenings & Performances

At the conclusion of all programs, a graduation ceremony and final presentation of student work is held. Final Films, Animation, Showcase Performances. Students retain digital master tapes of their film and video work to include in their portfolios.

The Abu Dhabi Film School is located Morour Street which is off of Airport Road (Second St.) and 15th street in the heart of Abu Dhabi, next to Abu Dhabi Televsion and across from the Rosary School.

For a complete listing of programs offered, please visit the website:

www.abudhabifilmschool.com
to request a complete brochure write to
info@abudhabifilmschool.com or
call: +971-2-446-6442

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