Jersey City, N.J. – October 15, 2013 – Saint Peter’s University announced the creation of The Sorvino Film Institute at Saint Peter’s University. The announcement was made by University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., at the closing ceremony of the Golden Door International Film Festival at the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre in Journal Square. Actor and creator of the Golden Door International Film Festival, Bill Sorvino, his mother, Roberta Sorvino, and other members of the Sorvino family will be developing the program alongside the University. Renowned actor, Paul Sorvino, will serve as the Institute’s Chairman Emeritus.
“I could not be more proud and excited to announce the creation of The Sorvino Film Institute at Saint Peter’s University,” said Cornacchia. “I am truly inspired by the work of the Sorvino family with the Golden Door International Film Festival and their passion for the arts. Saint Peter’s shares this same passion as a liberal arts institution, serving Jersey City for more than 140 years in the Jesuit tradition. Through our collaborative efforts we plan to develop an institute that sets a new standard for filmmaking programs in the area.”
With the close proximity of Saint Peter’s to New York City, a major center for independent filmmaking, the University is in a unique position for potential students with an interest in the highly desirable filmmaking industry. Over the course of the next several months, the University will be working to create a series of lectures and seminars with renowned artists, directors and producers to build interest in the growth of the Institute.
“I’m a Jersey City kid, born and raised,” said Bill Sorvino. “I’ve dreamt about developing a film institute for a long time and now I’m just so excited to be able to do it with Saint Peter’s, the University that’s always been in my backyard.”
Beginning in 2015, the University is planning the launch of a four-month intensive, yet flexible program with modules in screenwriting, directing, producing and editing. Students of the program will have the ability to create a complete professional film, discuss the components of a screenplay, competently use Final Cut Pro X editing system and identify the necessary steps to start an efficient and successful production.
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Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment.
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