ASU’s new film school called, “The Sidney Poitier New American Film School”

ASU has a new film school, it’s called “The Sidney Poitier New American Film School,” and it’s named after the famed actor who died at the age of 94. We spoke to the film school’s Founding Director, Cheryl Boone Isaacs. 

Boone Isaacs shared that she considered taking this director position because the new film school intrigued her and greatly because of Sidney Poitier.

She has known Poitier for many decades and his, “guidance has always been in the forefront of my mind, certainly through my Hollywood career.”

Boone Isaacs toured the Tempe facilities and met with President of ASU, Michael Crow and Provost Nancy Gonzalez. After that meeting, her decision was made.

“I would like to be a part of this program, a part of this advancement into our industry that I love and have been involved with for so many years,” Boone Isaacs said.

In regards to other film schools, “it will differ in some ways that we are working on…it’s more about inclusion and not exclusion. In many schools…everybody wishes to have…the ‘cream of the crop’…and so do we.

She added, “however, as we all know, many people mature and grow in different ways.”

Boone Isaacs said that this new film school also differs because they will be tapping into the many opportunities within the entertainment business.

This new film school is able, “to marry the idea of a more diverse and inclusive enrollment as well as teaching and educating young filmmakers across the board to be able to succeed in this business,” Boone Isaacs said.