This special collaboration heralds a new chapter for this Cuban educational institution and reflects a real commitment to the future of its Arts and youth. Founded in 1986, the EICTV is a project of the Foundation of New Latin American Cinema, which has its headquarters in Cuba. Partly financed by Cuba’s Ministry of Culture and sharing many of the ideals of the revolution’s cultural policy, the school remains autonomous. EICTV was the brainchild of a group of intellectuals, led by Columbian writer Gabriel García Márquez, Argentinian poet Fernando Birri and Cuban filmmaker Julio García Espinosa, leading figures in Latin American debates about revolutionary and politically committed art. Its initial aim was to support the development of national audio-visual industries in countries that lacked the infrastructure or resources to train their own professionals. It began by providing free courses to students from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.  In 2006, economic hardships imposed a fee-paying structure for all international students except Cuban attendees who remain exempt from any charges. Currently there are 120 students from over 50 countries attending the internationally recognized 3-year degree courses. 40 students are selected annually.  EICTV attracts renowned international filmmakers as visiting teachers for master classes and workshops.