Cebu, PHILIPPINES (March 4, 2008) - Two recognized creative institutions, the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) and New Zealand's Whitireia Community Polytechnic, initiated the creation of a foreign student exchange program when it signed into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Manila Polo Club on Feb. 5, 2008.

IAFT and Whitireia inked this educational partnership at the opening of the 2008 New Zealand Festival. Signing on behalf of both institutions were Matt Lubetich, IAFT's Chief Operating Officer, and Kaye Jujnovich, Whitireia's Dean of Faculty of Arts and Communication.

The MOU opens avenues where students of IAFT's Certificate and Diploma Programs in Digital Filmmaking may pursue further studies in the field through Whitireia's Bachelor of Applied Arts program, and Whitireia students may take IAFT's Certificate or Diploma Programs in Digital Filmmaking and Acting as well as any of IAFT's short-term workshops. Furthermore, the staff of one partner institution may study and teach at the other.

This alliance gives the student of both learning institutions the chance to explore the international dimensions of their field and gain international competence via their integration into the host institution and culture.

Mr. Ramoncito Bernales, Trade Commissioner of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) comments on the MOU signing between IAFT and Whitireia, "We at NZTE and the NZ Inc. are very pleased with the Memorandum of Understanding undertaken between the Philippines' International Academy of Film and Television and New Zealand's Whitireia Community Polytechnic.  It will definitely open doors for exchanges of students, faculty and sharing of technology between these two institutions. "Bernales adds," It is hoped that this MOU will encourage more NZ and Philippines' institutions to work together in the growing Creative sector."

According to Lubetich, IAFT is of the same opinion; "This MOU with Whitireia is a great example of New Zealand's global openness to learning. Our team is excited at this opportunity in particular because of the energy that Miss Jujnovich and Whitireia have put into this shared relationship. I feel comfortable with this relationship and am excited for its future because both institutions bring fresh curriculum options to students."

A New Zealand government-owned tertiary institution, Whitireia offers programs from Certificate to Post-Graduate levels in applied training and teaching. Whitireia gives students the skills required to work in both the New Zealand and International markets.

IAFT is Bigfoot Entertainment's learning institution for aspiring filmmakers and actors. With a seaside campus in Cebu, Philippines, it offers practical and hands-on training that is based on a curriculum on a par with those of the world's top film schools. The programs are mentored by industry professionals from film capitals around the world and are coupled with the use of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.