XMU and New York Film Academy (NYFA) held a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony on 7 June 2022.                                               

Representatives from both institutions gathered online. The ceremony was attended by Michael Young, President of New York Film Academy (NYFA), Professor Zhang Zongyi, President of XMU, Yang Jun, Education Counselor at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for the China Region of New York Film Academy, together with faculty and staff.

President Zhang presented the history of XMU, its establishment of the School of Film, and the promotion of film industry development. He said XMU prioritizes the film industry's role in the future economic and social development as it provides a suitable environment and social resources for training film professionals and cooperation between industry, academia, and research. Furthermore, the agreement promotes international exchanges and collaboration for the university's development in the next century. The two institutions have a vast space and great potential for cooperation. He hoped both sides would explore their respective advantages to create international cooperation projects and communication platforms jointly.

President Michael Young introduced NYFA in curriculum teaching, practical training, exchange, and cooperation with Chinese universities. He believed signing the memorandum of cooperation between the two institutions was an important milestone in promoting the internationalization of higher education, providing more opportunities for Chinese students to study and practice, and enhancing mutual trust and understanding between the Chinese and American people. He sincerely hopes the two sides will continue expanding cooperation and achieving win-win development.

New York Film Academy (NYFA) is a private film and acting school based in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. Founded in 1992 by Jerry Sherlock, a former film, television, and theatre producer, the school has 400 employees and over 5,000 students per year.