ESLSCA Uni Taps Film & Media Leaders to Shape Creative Education

ESLSCA University has launched the inaugural Advisory Board of its School of Visual Arts & Creative Industries, bringing together prominent figures from Egypt’s film, media, arts and academic sectors to help shape how the university prepares students for an evolving creative industry.

Led by Dr. Mervat Abou Oaf, Dean of the School, the board includes former Minister of Culture Dr. Nivien El Kilany, actor Hussein Fahmy, actresses Yousra and Amina Khalil, director Kareem El Shenawy, media professor Dr. Sami Tayea, and television hosts Mona El Shazly, Rami Radwan and Sherif Amer.

Rather than serving an executive or operational role, the board is designed as a strategic link between academia and the industry, offering insight into changing professional practices, developing curricula, strengthening industry connections and opening up opportunities for students. The first meeting centred on a question increasingly relevant to creative education: how do you prepare students for industries whose structures, technologies and career paths are constantly shifting?

The discussion touched on everything from intellectual property and professional ethics to the changing economics of film production and the need for more specialised training. Yousra and Mona El Shazly stressed the importance of copyright and intellectual property, while Hussein Fahmy called for producers to develop both artistic and managerial expertise as production models evolve. Amina Khalil advocated for dedicated academic pathways in acting, while Kareem El Shenawy argued for broader cinematic studies encompassing technical disciplines such as sound.

On the media side, Sherif Amer pushed for a more comprehensive understanding of content production, extending beyond editorial skills to the management and development of the full production cycle.

The board also reviewed ESLSCA’s upcoming Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cinematic Studies, which is expected to launch in February, with members highlighting the value of combining theoretical study with practical training across the filmmaking process. The university also announced three scholarships to study media in Spain, offered by Dr. Sami Tayea to ESLSCA graduates as part of efforts to expand international opportunities for students.