Ammon News - AMMAN - The Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts (RSICA) has been ranked among the top film schools in the world in a recent issue of a trade magazine.

The August 20th edition of Hollywood Reporter has listed the RSICA among the top 12 film schools outside the US, including schools in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, India and Singapore.

RSICA was highlighted in the publication as the only institution in the Middle East to offer an MFA in cinematic arts. It also noted the Kingdom’s scenic locations and sufficient supply of skilled manpower to host international and local productions.

In May, the first class of 21 students graduated from the institute, which was established in 2008 under an agreement between the Royal Film Commission (RFC) and the University of Southern California, as part of the region’s next generation of filmmakers and production staff.

“We are certain that the graduates of such a school will contribute greatly to the establishment of a strong and sustainable film industry in Jordan,” RFC Commissioner George David said in a statement received by The Jordan Times.

RSICA boasts a diverse student body from Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Palestine and Iran in addition to Jordan, according to the institute.

It offers a two-year MFA programme in cinematic arts that encompasses screenwriting, directing, producing, editing, cinematography and sound.　

The school has been seen as an integral part of enhancing the Kingdom’s film industry, which has come into the spotlight through recent international productions filmed in the country.

By Taylor Luck/ Jordan Times