China Education Press Agency Visits NYFA
On November 5, New York Film Academy welcomed a delegation from the China Education Press Agency (CEPA). The delegation met with President Michael Young and Dr. Joy Zhu.
CEPA, one of China’s most influential educational media organizations with over 30 million social media followers, plays a key role in shaping the nation’s education landscape.
The visit re-affirmed NYFA’s standing as a global center for creative learning and collaboration.
On October 24, 2025, New York Film Academy veteran students and alumni participated in the CineVet Film Festival, an event dedicated to showcasing films created by military veterans and amplifying veteran voices in storytelling.
The festival featured film screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to connect veteran filmmakers with industry professionals and fellow creatives.
Veteran students from NYFA presented projects that reflected perspectives shaped by military service, demonstrating how storytelling can serve as a powerful platform for sharing experiences and building connections within the creative community.
Among those recognized was current NYFA student and veteran filmmaker Jerod D. Taylor, whose short film Lyfe Amongst the Waters received the Crown of Cinematic Excellence award in the Short Film category at the Cinema Royale Film Festival.
Collaborations such as CineVet continue to advance NYFA’s mission to support veterans transitioning into careers in film, media, and entertainment.
The NYFA SCREAM-O-RAMA kicks off at 1 p.m. on October 18th at the Laemmle NoHo Theater, North Hollywood, CA
Burbank, CA — The New York Film Academy (NYFA) is honoring horror movies and the fans who love them. On October 18th, 2025, NYFA LA is hosting our first SCREAM-O-RAMA, celebrating 50 years of horror!! Join us as we screen five secret horror movies. Between films, there will be giveaways, appearances, and much more! The fright fest kicks off at 1 p.m. on October 18th at the Laemmle NoHo theater. A day of exquisite terror awaits!
This year’s marathon, with its terrifying twists and turns, is sure to be an unforgettable experience for both horror fans and those just looking for a good scare. This year’s lineup includes films by NYFA instructors and staff, cult classics, and new favorites.
“We’re hoping this will be an annual event for horror fans in the San Fernando Valley,” shared Viktor Kerney, Director of Student Life and organizer of SCREAM-O-RAMA. “Each film will satisfy the fans, and hopefully, inspire filmmakers to create their own films.”
In addition to the movie screenings, this year’s marathon will include:
Special guests
Giveaways
Custom Merchandise
Tickets for the SCREAM-O-RAMA are $25 and are available online or at the Laemmle NoHo box office. The event is expected to sell out, so fans are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance.
Ticket Link: https://www.laemmle.com/film/scream-o-rama
On September 20, New York Film Academy President Michael Young joined the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts (SIVA) and SIVA’s 15th International Experts Advisory Conference.
President Young delivered a keynote on the creative industries, emphasizing NYFA’s hands-on approach in arts education. Joined by Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for Global Partnerships, he also met with the SIVA leadership to explore collaboration between the institutions.
On September 17, New York Film Academy President Michael Young participated in the opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). He later spoke at the BIFF Forum, where he discussed the past, present, and future of cinema, highlighting NYFA’s hands-on learning approach and its significance in the age of artificial intelligence.
During his visit, President Young met with leadership at Dongseo University to explore areas of collaboration. He was joined by Dr. Joy Zhu, NYFA’s Executive Vice President for Global Partnerships.
On September 23, the New York Film Academy’s Performing Arts Department participated in the “United as One World Voices of Peace” Concert at New York City’s Lincoln Center. The concert was presented by China Media Group to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations.
Under the direction of Kristy Cates, Chair of NYFA’s College of Performing Arts, students presented excerpts from The Sound of Music. The evening also featured winners of the “Bright Future of Humanity” global AI competition, co-presented by China Media Group and NYFA.
On September 28, 2025, the New York Film Academy Division of Veteran Services hosted a bowling social event designed to bring together veteran and military-connected students across programs and campuses.
The event provided a relaxed environment for students to connect, build friendships, and strengthen the veteran community at NYFA. Veteran students studying filmmaking, acting, producing, photography, and other disciplines attended the gathering and shared their experiences transitioning from military service into creative education.
Events like this foster camaraderie and peer support among veterans pursuing new creative paths after military service.
On August 19, the New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus hosted representatives from the Education Office of the Consulate General of China in LA. The delegation was led by Mr. Huang Wei, the newly appointed Education Counselor, and included Consuls Mrs. Yang Lijun and Mr. Guo Jin. They were welcomed by Dan Mackler, Dean of NYFA Los Angeles; Sonny Calderon, Vice President of Academic Affairs; and Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for the China Region.
The guests expressed their appreciation for NYFA’s hands-on education approach and work with Chinese students, and emphasized the importance of continued educational and cultural exchange between China and the United States.
On August 12, the New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus welcomed China Film Education (Zhong Ying Ren), a leading arts training organization in China, along with Brother Sway, a popular internet talk show host. The delegation was hosted by Dan Mackler, Dean of NYFA Los Angeles, Sonny Calderon, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President, Greater China Region.
During their visit, the guests toured the campus and engaged in discussions centered on strengthening collaboration, expanding student recruitment, and creating new opportunities for aspiring artists in China to pursue world-class hands-on training at NYFA.
