FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How can I apply to the Yangon Film School?

The Yangon Film School is open to Myanmar nationals of all genders living in Myanmar between the ages of 20 and 35. Calls for applications are published every two years. To find out when the next Call will be please go to the Yangon Film School Facebook page. Calls are usually published in October. When Calls are published you will find details and an Application Form in both Myanmar and English language versions on the School’s Facebook page.

You will need to:

Fill in the online application form and hit the button send.

Applications submitted via Facebook will be not accepted.

2. What are the criteria for selecting candidates?

The Call is only open to Myanmar nationals living in Myanmar between the ages of 20 and 35. We accept 12 students of all genders every two years. Almost 50% of our students come from various ethnic states. If you are selected you will be able to meet and work with talented young people from all over the country.

Applicants are shortlisted for interview according to their track record of film and/or image related work (e.g. photographs, short films, journalism, art, etc); their ability to demonstrate a passion for storytelling and, in particular, documentary filmmaking; their ability to write interestingly about themselves and other people; their commitment to pursuing a career in film and/or media in Myanmar.

3. What is the recruitment process?

There are three steps to recruitment:

  • Firstly, fill in the online application form and hit the button send by the published deadline.
  • YFS will register your submission and will prepare a list of candidates who meet our recruitment criteria.
  • Candidates who meet our recruitment criteria will be invited for an interview with our recruitment panel in Yangon or online. The YFS recruitment panel comprises the YFS founder and representatives of the YFS Student/Steering Committees. The interview will take about 30 minutes and will be conducted in Burmese.

4. How long does the course take?

The whole study programme takes three years. It begins with the intensive, eight-week flagship beginner’s course ‘The Art of Documentary Filmmaking’. For two years you will attend full-time classes in Editing, Film History, Film Analysis and Postproduction and work on short documentary films under tutelage from international and national professional filmmakers.

During the third year, students are given the opportunity to work independently on their graduation films.

5. Is tuition really for free?

Yes! There are no tuition fees and we will even provide you with a study grant. During the residential courses YFS provides you with accommodation in a nearby hotel. A modest allowance for breakfast and dinner is provided and lunch is served at the School for all students.

The registration fee of 10,000 MMK is the only fee you need to pay if you want to receive a world-class filmmaking education at the YFS.

6. How much is the registration fee?

There is a one-time registration fee of 10,000 MMK but the study programme is free of charge and there are no tuition fees.

7. How many students do you accept?

We accept 12 students of all genders every second year. Almost 50% of our students come from various ethnic states.

8. Do you accept everyone who applies?

No. Following a selective but inclusive recruitment process in Yangon, we accept 12 students of all genders.

9. Where can I find more information about the Yangon Film School Study Programme?

To learn more about the Yangon Film School and our unique three-year Study Programme please have a look at our courses and follow us on Facebook

10. Can I attend Yangon Film School if I have a full-time job?

The YFS three-year Study Programme commences with the intensive, residential full-time beginner’s course ‘The Art of Documentary Filmmaking’. Classes for this and all YFS courses take place from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Subsequent full-time courses in Editing, Film History, Film Analysis and Postproduction are held throughout the first year at YFS. Students are required to attend at least 80% of all classes to receive the full benefit of our tuition.

11. Is this a full-time programme? Can I study at weekends only?

At Yangon Film School there are no short-term or weekend filmmaking classes.

The YFS three-year Study Programme commences with the intensive full-time residential beginner’s course ‘The Art of Documentary Filmmaking’. Classes for this and all YFS courses take place from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Subsequent full-time courses in Editing, Film History, Film Analysis and Postproduction are held throughout the first year at YFS. Students are required to attend at least 80% of all classes to receive the full benefit of our tuition.

12. Is it possible to receive a scholarship?

Yes. Yangon Film School’s students are eligible for a study grant during their studies to enable them to commit to full-time training and receive maximum benefit from their film tuition.

13. I live in a remote State, is it expensive to live in Yangon while studying at YFS?

Yangon Film School students are eligible for a study grant during their studies to enable them to commit to full-time training and receive maximum benefit from their film tuition. YFS provides accommodation during courses and you will also receive a modest food allowance.

14. I love films, especially action and horror movies. Do you teach how to make them?

At Yangon Film School we teach primarily the art of documentary filmmaking. A documentary is about filming real life, as it happens. It can be just as exciting as fiction.

15. I would like to become a famous actor. Do you also have acting classes?

At Yangon Film School we don’t have acting classes as we teach the art of documentary filmmaking. A documentary is about filming real life, as it happens – so no actors are needed.

16. I’m only interested in film directing. Can I apply?

At Yangon Film School we teach all aspects of documentary filmmaking. To become a good filmmaker you need to attend all courses, not only in directing.

17. My English is not very good, can I still join YFS?

Of course! There are translators there to support you during all YFS classes, trainings and communication with international tutors.

18. Is it is safe to study at the Yangon Film School?

A thorough security risk analysis is conducted before all filming – no matter where it may be in the country. However it is likely that filming will be limited to Yangon during your first months at YFS.

We provide all new students with professional First Aid and personal security awareness training to keep everyone safe while they learn.

YFS also covers the cost of accident insurance during courses and filming trips.

When necessary, virtual communication tools are used for remote teaching and mentorships.

19. What will happen if I am selected for YFS but can’t join the Beginner’s Course on time? Can I join in the following year without having to go through the recruitment process once more?

YFS recruits a new intake every two years. This means that there is no recruitment for the YFS study programme in the following year. All YFS students who are selected for the Beginner’s Course are expected to arrive in Yangon on time (i.e. one or two days in advance). If the situation prevents you from starting your studies at YFS in the year in question, your place will be given to the first person on the reserve list and you will have to reapply for the next intake.

20. How do I get an invoice for a FILM purchase?

You will receive an email with an invoice attached in PDF format. In order to receive an invoice you need to provide us with a billing address.

If you misplace your invoice you can download it anytime from your YFS account at ACCOUNT OVERVIEW or MY FILMS.

21. Can I purchase more than one film at a time?

This is not possible at the moment, but if you contact us at ... we can create a purchase order for multiple films manually.

22. Can I download the films?

If you wish to receive a downloadable link to a film, please contact us at ....

23. I would prefer to purchase a DVD, how can I do that?

If you wish to purchase a DVD of a film rather than a streamable link, please check if a DVD is available on the left-hand side of each individual film's page.

24. What happens to the revenue of the Streaming Platform?

Revenue from the streaming platform will be shared between the School and rights holders of the films according to the disbursement schedule set out in rights agreements. Any revenue accrued by the School will be reinvested in the School's activities to help keep all our educational programmes free of charge for all our students.

25. How much does it cost to stream a film?

Films are available to watch for a period of one month.

Personal accounts, per film: 2,99€ for films up to 20’ in length; 3,99€ for films of up to 45’ in length, and 5,99€ for films over 45’ in length

Institutional accounts, per film: 11,99€ for films up to 20’ in length; 15,99€ for films up to 45’ in length, and 19,99€ for films over 45 in length.

26. I am a student/Alumni of YFS, how can I access these Films?

Students and alumni of YFS may access any of the films on our platform free of charge. Kindly contact ... to obtain a link.

27. Why are not all films available for streaming on the website?

Some of our latest films are still competing at international film festivals and we are not able to screen them on our streaming platform just yet - we hope you will bear with us!

As soon as these films have left the festival circuit we will make them available for streaming. Festival curators, TV broadcasters and film institutions who wish to preview any new titles can contact us directly at: ...

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