Higher Ed Chats
February 25th, 2026
14 minutes
Why International Film Education Matters Now More Than Ever
Dan Mackler, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Dean of the Los Angeles campus at the New York Film Academy (NYFA), speaks with Scott Miller about the transformative power of international arts education. Drawing from a career that spans filmmaking, international advertising, and higher education leadership, Dan shares how his global background — including years working in Russia and Europe — shaped his commitment to developing creative talent across cultures.
Dan explains NYFA’s “learn by doing” educational philosophy, where students gain hands-on experience through real-world production, collaboration, and continuous creative practice. With campuses in Los Angeles, New York, Florence, and Kazakhstan, and students from more than 120 countries, NYFA has become a uniquely international learning environment that mirrors today’s global film industry.
The conversation explores how diverse classrooms shape richer, more authentic storytelling, allowing students to draw on their cultural identities while mastering the universal language of film. Dan also discusses how emerging technologies — including digital production tools and AI — are expanding access to filmmaking while reinforcing the importance of creativity, storytelling craft, and human voice.
Dan reflects on how global higher education is evolving toward more flexible programs, cross-border partnerships, and experiential learning models, particularly within the creative industries. This episode highlights why international education in the arts is not only culturally valuable but also economically vital in preparing students for a rapidly globalizing creative economy.
Who’s in the episode?
Scott Miller is the host of Keystone Higher Ed Chats and the Executive Director of Keystone's international division, bringing over 11 years of EdTech experience to conversations about global education.
After graduating from DePauw University, living and working in different cultures showed him that stepping outside your comfort zone doesn't just broaden your horizons; it reshapes them entirely. That belief in the transformative power of international experiences brought Scott to Keystone in 2010, where he's spent over a decade (and counting) helping higher education institutions reach students worldwide.
On Keystone Higher Ed Chats, Scott speaks with thought-leaders in the industry about what he's most passionate about: how education changes lives, how cultural experiences broaden perspectives at any age, and how Keystone's mission—connecting students with their ideal higher education institution—makes those life-changing moments possible.
Dan Mackler is the Dean of New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles Campus and Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of NYFA globally. A graduate of Dartmouth College with a BA in Russian Studies, he received his MFA in film production from NYU Tisch.
His work as a director and cinematographer has been selected by festivals including South by Southwest (SXSW), Clermont Ferrand, and the Hamptons International Film Festival. Dan has lectured around the globe in universities and forums in England, China, Japan, Russia, India, Ecuador, and Chile, and has been part of the New York Film Academy since 2000.
Timestamps & Takeaways
Timestamps
01:02
Where have you studied and lived?
02:44
Could you give us a brief overview of the New York Film Academy?
04:30
Tell us about the international student community at NYFA. How does being located in Los Angeles contribute to the study of film?
05:45
How does diversity on campus change the type of stories that are being told in the classrooms?
06:55
How does NYFA support their students in translating their unique cultural voices into a universal Hollywood visual language?
08:17
In your experience, why is it so important for students to study the arts in an international setting?
09:13
How has filmmaking changed since you started in the industry?
10:58
How would more advancements in technology impact the next generation of international filmmakers
12:26
Looking into the future, how do you see global higher education in the United States evolving over the next five years?
Takeaways
International classrooms drive deeper learning and storytelling. Globally diverse classrooms foster more mature, nuanced storytelling by exposing students to different cultural perspectives, identities, and lived experiences. These environments help students recognize both their differences and shared human narratives, strengthening creativity while building intercultural competence — skills that are increasingly essential across disciplines.
Experiential learning builds career-ready graduates. NYFA’s “learn by doing” model demonstrates how hands-on education builds confidence, professional readiness, and creative resilience. This approach aligns with growing student demand for programs that offer tangible outcomes, portfolios, and applied skills alongside academic credentials.
Creative education fuels the global economy. Dan emphasizes that creative industries are becoming major drivers of economic growth worldwide. Countries and institutions that invest in arts education, storytelling, and the development of creative talent are better positioned to compete in the global economy, making international arts education both culturally and strategically significant.
Technology expands access but cannot replace creativity. While digital tools and AI are lowering barriers to entry in filmmaking, Dan stresses that technology must remain a tool and not a substitute for storytelling craft, human voice, and creative intent. International educators have a critical role in helping students learn how to direct technology ethically and purposefully rather than rely on it passively.
Global collaboration prepares students for a borderless industry. As filmmaking becomes increasingly international through co-productions, global distribution, and cross-border crews, students benefit from learning in multicultural environments that mirror professional realities. These experiences help graduates become adaptable collaborators who can work effectively across cultures, industries, and creative ecosystems.
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