118 SAE animators, filmmakers and audio engineers let loose on Jordan

The Middle East is embracing the world of digital media arts and entertainment and nowhere is this more apparent than at Jordan's SAE Institute which celebrated its first ever graduation ceremony turning out 118 graduates. SAE Institute (in cooperation with Al Quds College) launched a multimedia and fireworks spectacular graduation ceremony at its Airport Road campus in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Rym Ali and the Australian Ambassador Mr Glenn White. Parodying an Oscars ceremony and showcasing a broad range of student work - the quality of videos, animation and sound design was roundly applauded as being of world-class standard.

SAE Institute which started in Australia over 30 years ago, and which now has campuses in 52 cities in 22 countries around the world provides diploma courses in digital filmmaking, digital animation, audio engineering, and multimedia. The courses are accredited with the Jordanian Ministry of Higher Education through Al Balqa University.

Speaking at the ceremony, SAE General Manager Kieran Galvin, an acclaimed international film director in his own right, revealed the institute was home to students from more than 19 different countries and faculty staff from Australia, Sweden, Austria, Germany, Canada, Ireland, Egypt, and of course Jordan. "What makes SAE Institute unique," he said, "is that it is a place where art meets
technique, where talent meets challenge, and where hope finds a tiny door and pushes it open."

Mr Galvin drew a comparison with the world of information technology 20 years ago, saying that back then many people did not believe it would create sustainable jobs yet it had become the defining industry of our generation. He said the same factors were now reshaping digital arts and entertainment and revolutionizing the industry.
Noting that many SAE Institute graduates had already found employment in radio, TV and animation production companies, Mr Galvin announced that SAE Institute had
also signed industry partnership agreements with ART (Arab Radio & Television), the Royal Film Commission, Abu Mahjoob, Sandbag Productions, Energy 99FM, Fann FM,
and Al Faridah (the publishing group behind magazines such as Jo, Venture, Layalina, Ahlan, U, U Men, Viva, and OC). The purpose of the partnerships is to
provide internship and employment opportunities for SAE graduates.

Mr Galvin said he expected to conclude agreements with Al Ghad Newspaper and Jordan Media Institute soon.
SAE Institute has experienced rapid growth. With over 200 students currently enrolled Mr Galvin said he expected the number of students to more than double with October's intake. "By then we may reach a situation where there will be a waiting list to join future courses."