U.S. Veterans Affairs Accredits International Academy Of Film And Television
International Film School Now Accepting Students from U.S. Armed Forces
CEBU, Philippines and LOS ANGELES - Sept. 13, 2010 - The International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) received accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and is now eligible to accept students across all education benefits under the VA, such as the Chapter 33 program, otherwise known as the Post 9/11 GI Bill. With campuses in Cebu, Philippines and Hong Kong, IAFT is an international film school with a robust mentorship and training program and roots in Hollywood where it conducts regular workshops. Through its affiliation with Bigfoot Entertainment and subsidiaries including Bigfoot Productions and New Cebu Films, IAFT provides practical, hands-on training and unique internship opportunities on actual products. Eligible members of the Armed Forces may now apply for IAFT's various filmmaking programs and be granted up to the full amount in tuition fees, as well as a housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.
"Being accredited by the stringent standards of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a testament to the high standards of our education programs," said Mark Martin, executive director of IAFT. "We are very pleased with the outcome, and are proud to be supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces in their pursuit for higher education." Petty Officer Second Class George Macapagal is the first IAFT student accepted under the Chapter 33 program who is eligible for full funding. Born in Manila, Philippines, the film enthusiast later migrated to the U.S., completing his high school education in Illinois. Macapagal is currently stationed in Japan as part of the U.S. Navy.
"Since I was young, I've always loved watching movies, which inspired me to want to make my own films, in my own style," said Macapagal, who looks up to directors such as Terrence Malick and Wong Kar-Wai. "Thanks to the Post 9/11 Bill, I am now able to pursue my dreams and passion at the International Academy of Film and Television, a practical filmmaking institute with experienced and acclaimed mentors. Learning to make films involves a lot of dedication - not just from yourself, but from teachers and staff - and IAFT delivers its best." Macapagal will begin at IAFT upon completing his naval term of service in 2012. He will join other successful Chapter 33 applicants, including U.S. Navy Machinist Mate Fireman Hussein A. Meneses who has already begun his filmmaking education with IAFT, and retired U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic, Safety Equipment First Class Dominic Carpio who will commence classes later this year.
To be eligible for this program, the individual must have served in the Armed Forces for at least 90 aggregate days of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, or honorable discharge due to a service-related disability after 30 continuous days.
For more information, please visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/post-911/post-911-gi-bill-summary/
Admission Advisors
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Aaron Cisneros aaron.cisneros@iaft.net mobile: +63.915.389.2412 |
Bill Gardner bill.gardner@iaft.net mobile: +63.917.631.2103 |
INQUIRIES
Contact us at admission@iaft.ph for more information.
Mailing Address:
Bigfoot I.T. and Media Park
6015 Lapu-lapu City
Cebu, Philippines
International Dial-in Numbers:
+63.32.495.1033
+1.310.593.4444
