The grand opening of the New York Film Academy Kazakhstan, the first branch of the renowned American film school in Central Asia, took place at Energo University and the Dala Edge creative park.
The event began with welcoming speeches from New York Film Academy President and CEO Michael Young, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek, and Akim of the Almaty Region Marat Sultangaziyev.
A special highlight was the symbolic "take" ceremony, reminiscent of a real film shoot. Welcoming remarks were also given by the US Consul General in Almaty Michelle Yerkin and NYFA Kazakhstan students.
Guests visited classrooms, a library, recording and editing studios, and the grounds of the Dala Edge park.
In the afternoon, a series of master classes and creative meetings were held for guests and students. The following shared their experiences:
• Rob Pietri (USA) - director and NYFA teacher;
• Mark Mochabi (USA) - actor and improv specialist;
• Kevin Caton (USA) - expert in AR and gaming technologies;
• Michael Hsueh (USA) - producer and director;
• Lado Kvatania (Georgia) - director, author of iconic music videos and films;
• Kuanysh Beysek (Kazakhstan) - film producer;
• Gulzhan Toktogul (Kyrgyzstan/USA) - screenwriter, expert on Hollywood screenwriting standards;
• Bolat Aknazar (Kazakhstan) - director, Unreal Engine specialist;
• Denis Vezhnovets (Studio Cubic) – visual effects specialist;
• Sanat Shapashov (Kazakhstan) – screenwriters, film project experts;
• Todd Bruno (USA) – actor, NYFA teacher.
The event concluded with a panel discussion, "CIS MEDIA MARKET TOMORROW: CHALLENGES, FOCUS, COMMUNITY," featuring Lado Kvatania, Michael Dylan Rastrick, and Kuanysh Beysek.
"We are proud that the New York Film Academy is now present in Kazakhstan. This is not just an educational project – it is a platform that will unite the region's talent and open the door for them to the global film industry," noted Michael Young, President of NYFA.
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