Saturday, May 19, 2007

I refer to the article titled “Forget NY-300 apply for Tisch film course in S’pore”, from The Straits Times March 31 2007.

Although these 300 students form America, Latin America, Europe, China, India and Singapore could have applied to join the Tisch School of the Arts in New York, they have instead chosen to apply for the school’s new campus here in Singapore. The fees for the school are about $55000 a year (the same as that in New York) for a three-year course.

Mr. Tintori, the chairman of Tisch’s graduate Film Programme, was confident that this new campus would draw students, since he feels that Singapore has much to offer them. He feels that Singapore is like New York in many ways, including the fact that both are melting pots. There are many cultures that blend together to form the Singapore culture, making it a rich and vibrant environment for prospective filmmakers. This offers Tisch Students a ‘distinct Asian experience’ with Singapore’s strategic location, mix of various cultures, and ‘burgeoning arts scene’. As such, the students are not at all losing out when applying to the Singapore campus, and instead have a completely unique experience that that offered in New York. They are provided a very rich environment for a filmmaking, with a distinctive Asian flair.

Singapore has much to benefit from this new campus too. The strong response is a sure sign of ‘Singapore’s growing status as a key learning and knowledge node.’ This being the first-ever branch of the Tisch School is a great boost to Singapore’s campaign to attract specialised institutions. With this world famous film institution (whose famous alumni include directors Oliver Stone, Ang Lee and M. Night Syamalan) now a part of Singapore’s educational and arts scene, Singapore’s reputation as an arts and education hub would have increased. In addition, when the programme gets underway, the students would be producing about 300 films a year. That’s a staggering amount of films of Singapore that would be screen around the world in film festivals and art programs. In Mr. Tintori’s words, “Can you imagine the sort of visibility it will give Singapore?”

For the students of Singapore who are interested in filming as a career, this is also a great opportunity. They can now pursue their passion here in their home, and once the new campus is established, it would be easier to make a name for themselves. As the Singapore arts scene grows larger and more vibrant, and Singapore’s global recognition increases, it would benefit them greater, with a conducive environment for creativity to flow, and the education to allow them to do so. This will not only benefit those interested in the film aspect of arts though, the films made by the students will also showcase the Singapore culture and art.