The Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts (RSICA) is currently finalising the admissions process to accept its inaugural MFA class starting in September 2008.

The first round of acceptance letters have been sent by the Institute’s Admissions Department to prospective students, with many more to come in the following weeks. RSICA’s academic readers are currently reviewing further applications and conducting interviews with shortlisted applicants, said an official spokesman.

Over the past few months, RSICA has received a large number of applications from Jordan, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as other countries around the world. 

With application not limited to those with film experience or education, candidates have come from varied educational backgrounds including BA degrees in Engineering, Science, Arts and Graphic Design.

Students admitted to The Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts are those who demonstrate exceptional levels of creative potential, talent and a strong work ethic. Through the unique two-year MFA in Cinematic Arts Programme, the Institute strives to play a pivotal role in training its students at a world class level, qualifying them to achieve excellence in the media and film industry. 

The RSICA application process is based on thorough research, and expert consultation by the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. To register as an applicant, interested individuals first complete an online form at www.rsica.com.

Following this step a full application package is submitted to the RSICA Admissions Department; the package including such varied elements as transcripts and CV, recommendation letters, a narrative essay, two creative writing assignments as well as a portfolio of creative work.

The portfolio is described as a collection of any work by the individual that best showcases clearly evident expression of creative talent and potential; work that is not limited to film or video examples.

Portfolios received this year have included creative writing samples, painting, film, photography, interactive multi-media samples, music and graphic design.
 
“Due to the varied elements of the full application package requested, and the considerable amount of work it takes to complete, we have observed a clear level of self-selection by the time the application is received.  We consider the application package to be the first assignment for those individuals with the potential to submit to an intensive MFA program at RSICA, providing a good first stage indication of each candidate’s potential,” said RSICA’s chief academic officer James Hindman.

Once submitted, applications undergo a comprehensive review by various RSICA-established readers including faculty, local and international colleagues of the Institute. Those applications shortlisted after review move on to the second stage, which involves a detailed personal interview with the candidate.

“We are extremely pleased with the response in quality and quantity of applications this first year, as we establish the Institute,” said project manager Claire Naber. “RSICA is also currently planning a regional student recruitment and public outreach plan to coordinate with the coming academic year of 2009, with admissions set to open again in November.”
 
The Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts operates under the direct support of the Royal Film Commission in historic partnership with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. – TradeArabia News Service