Seychelles International Film Academy Holds Inaugural Committee Meeting
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles International Film Academy holds inaugural meeting, bringing together seventeen filmmakers, industry professionals, and cultural leaders at Olympic House, Roche Caiman, marking a major milestone for the nation’s creative sector. The inaugural session, held last Saturday, laid the groundwork for a formal concept proposal to be presented to the government.
The establishment of a film academy carries profound significance for ordinary Seychellois, particularly young people seeking creative careers. Executive Director John Pool Etienne explained that the academy was created to nurture filmmaking talent, provide education and mentorship, and inspire youth. He noted that Seychelles faces serious social challenges including drug abuse and teenage pregnancies, and that cinematography can offer young people a sense of purpose and hope.
Participants at the inaugural meeting explored the benefits of cinematography for Seychelles and agreed that a formal concept for the academy should be developed for submission to the government. Mr Pool Etienne shared that President Patrick Herminie has shown personal interest in the development of cinematography in Seychelles and that discussions took place with the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Amanda Bernstein. The Seychelles International Film Academy has already begun engaging international, regional, and national consultants to contribute to its sessions.
The idea of establishing a film academy had been a lifelong dream for Mr Pool Etienne, becoming more tangible during the Covid-19 pandemic when the urgent need to diversify the national economy was highlighted. Seychelles boasts exceptional natural advantages as a filming destination, with outstanding light contrast, natural colours, and scenery that Mr Pool Etienne described as making it “one of the best live studios in the world”.
Beyond artistic expression, a thriving film industry could promote cultural exchange, boost tourism, and stimulate creative entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for hotels, car hire companies, shops, and food producers. The academy aims to position Seychelles as a global capital of Creole culture, giving greater international exposure to Seychellois Creole and Creole communities worldwide through professional training and reform of local television.
The Seychelles International Film Academy represents a bold step towards diversifying the national economy while celebrating and preserving the richness of Creole culture on the global stage.
Image source: Seychelles Tourism Authority — tourism.gov.sc
