After serving as the backdrop for the 2007 film, "The Great Debaters," Wiley College is set become home to the Nate Parker School of Film and Drama this fall.
The historically black college located in East Texas announced the news Sunday on Twitter. The school will be a medium to rally students of color around the idea of “re-claiming the narrative of America,” according to "The Great Debaters" star Parker.
"The hope is that we cover all aspects of filmmaking, from sound, lighting, and cinematography, to just studying film specifically with the cultural component and the history of film and the history of film," Parker said during an interview with local ABC affiliate, KLTV.
Before its launch, the school will host a nine-day summer institute as a pilot program for 30 students. Parker hopes the new school will evolve into a direct hub for students seeking entry into the film industry.
“If I can create a pipeline toward filmmaking physically through developing the college, having filmmakers be nurtured and cultivated here, and then having somewhere for them to go with respect for them actually being able to engage in filmmaking here in East Texas, then it kind of serves multiple purposes,” he said.
In addition to him assisting in the film and drama school’s creation, Parker previously also worked with Wiley College to provide scholarships through the 100 Men of Excellence initiative.
Check out more of Nate Parker’s thoughts on his new film and drama school in the clip above.
Before You Go
