The Office of the Belize Film Commissioner (OBFC) and Galen University have signed a historic MOU to develop the first Film and Media School in Belize. According to the Film Commissioner, Nigel P. Miguel, “The film industry is perhaps the only creative industry that impacts virtually all others. Building this industry from the ground up requires the inclusion of critical stakeholders and our educational institutions, to ensure we work together to develop the capabilities of the creative segment of our society, provide much needed jobs, and bring foreign investment to our shores.”
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets out the terms and conditions under which the parties will collaborate to deliver both degree and short certificate courses in film production. OBFC has committed to bringing investors to the table to assist Galen University with the raising of investment capital for the construction and development of the Film and Media School both on campus and online.
Galen’s Provost, Dr. Eve Aird, remarks “Galen University welcomes the partnership as an opportunity for us to expand our global reach, to further our Mission of developing and offering relevant, innovative and transformational programs, and to collect and safeguard our cultural heritage through the programs and services of the Institute. Our partnership with the OBFC will enable us to serve our many stakeholders in new and meaningful ways.”
One direct outcome from the MOU will be the acquisition and implementation of the Multi Vision Streaming Network (MVSN) production platform by Galen for the purpose of teaching production and creating / hosting a public broadcast channel. MVSN is an online broadcast and subscription application for creators and brands to engage their global audience with maximum flexibility and maximum opportunity. In the post Covid-19 era, this technology is becoming a critical part of remote program delivery in education, sports, and the creative industries arena.
“This first, concrete step builds on activities long pursued by the Office of the Belize Film Commissioner and are in keeping with our long term plan to develop Belize’s film industry,” states Mr. Miguel. He concludes with, “The momentum is building, our behind the scenes efforts are beginning to bear fruit, and 2021 will see major milestones achieved in the building of the film industry in Belize.”
