David Lynch MA in Film - Press Release

New “David Lynch MA in Film” to Begin this
August at Maharishi University of Management
Students can compete for one-year scholarship

For the first time ever, David Lynch is giving his name to a master's degree in film. The David Lynch MA in Film will be offered at Maharishi University of Management, a university that promotes the Transcendental Meditation technique to foster a student's creativity and originality. The degree program is slated to start this August, according to Stuart Tanner, Assistant Professor of Media and Communications and co-chair of the program.

The University is also offering a full, one-year scholarship to aspiring filmmakers. Other leaders in the field of film and the creative industries will join Lynch as visiting faculty during the new MA.

"This master's degree in film will for sure teach all the aspects of filmmaking," Lynch said, "but with the profound addition of the Transcendental Meditation technique, taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This will give all those in the program the ability to dive within, to transcend and experience that unbounded ocean of pure consciousness, which is unbounded intelligence, creativity, happiness, love, energy, power and peace. The students in this program will grow in these all-positive qualities and it will serve the work in glorious ways. The big secret to great filmmaking, I believe, lies within in the big treasury within us all. This will be a great program and you'll never be sorry you took part."

"David Lynch is one of the most original and visionary film directors of our time," Tanner said. "Students enrolled in the David Lynch MA will have the opportunity to meet and discuss film and creativity with Lynch, and to be mentored by him during the program."

Tanner said the goal of the David Lynch MA is to give aspiring filmmakers the time, equipment and the guidance to follow their own vision and create films that have an impact and transform the world. "We believe in the power of everyone's creative vision and the importance of their creative voice. Here is the chance to explore your own," Tanner said.

Maharishi University is the home of Consciousness-Based Education. All students and faculty learn and practice the Transcendental Meditation technique that, research shows, enhances creativity by promoting clarity of mind and freedom from stress.

To qualify for the full scholarship, prospective MA students are invited to submit an original film, three to five minutes in length. Lynch will personally view the three top submissions and select the winner. All submissions are due in by August 10, 2013.

"The Lynch MA invites participants to create feature-length films or documentaries, Web series, music, and multidisciplinary projects that contain a strong film element. Candidates lacking extensive filmmaking experience, but skilled in other artistic mediums, will also be able to integrate film with their dominant art form," Tanner said.

"This is the first year of the David Lynch MA in Film. If you've got something inside you that's crying out to be created, here is a chance to bring it into the light," said Gurdy Leete, co-chair.

For information visit filmschool.mum.edu

For information about applying to the program, contact Sasha Parmasad, David Lynch MA Program Administrator, at davidlynch.ma@mum.edu or 641-472-7000 (x3318)