By Bryna Sim

IT COULD be a scene right out of a movie like Dead Poets Society. A charismatic teacher so inspires students that, when he decides to quit, they pen a heartfelt appreciation to the school on his behalf.

The students are budding film-makers and the teacher is Mr Herman van Eyken.

The 52-year-old Belgian founded the Puttnam School of Film at Lasalle College of the Arts in 2005 and is its head. It is Singapore's first film school offering a bachelor's degree.

Mr van Eyken resigned over disagreements with Lasalle about funding and is moving to Australia.

In January, he will join Griffith University in Brisbane, as head of its film school.

In earlier reports, he had cited disagreements with Lasalle over cuts to Puttnam's operating budget and the budget for students making thesis films.

A Lasalle spokesman said Mr van Eyken resigned because he 'accepted an offer for another job at another institution'. 'He was not asked to go,' said the spokesman. 'It was his own decision.'

Mr van Eyken told The New Paper there were 'too many reasons' behind his decision to leave.

'Most of these reasons have to do with long-standing issues on the level of my work at Lasalle, and I don't foresee any changes to these matters in the future,' he said.

When asked to elaborate, Mr van Eyken said he felt the school administration was 'not interested in making special efforts - in terms of funding - to make the film school work'.

The Lasalle spokesman clarified that the operating budget of students' thesis films has yet to be decided upon. And the budget for film production 'has increased by more than 10 per cent this year', said the spokesman.

When news about the resignation spread, more than 25 students and alumni members penned a letter to Lasalle president Alastair Pearce, to say they were 'extremely saddened and disappointed'.

But one of those who signed it, production company employee Lydia Cheriyan, 23, said: 'The letter was one of appreciation. It simply acknowledged Mr van Eyken's efforts and contributions.'

The Lasalle spokesman said the letter was 'a statement of praise for Mr van Eyken's good work'.

Professor Pearce not only replied by agreeing with those who signed it, but also acknowledged Mr van Eyken's 'outstanding contributions to the Puttnam School of Film'.

Lasalle has several faculties, including film, dance, music, theatre, and design.

A staff member who has worked with Mr van Eyken said: 'He was always fighting for the students' rights.'

Mr van Eyken said he had seen the letter, and it 'touched him a lot'. He said: 'Such things make our work worthwhile.'

Some of his students spoke of the passion he had for his work.

'He was very caring as a person. He would take time to groom us, and took a personal interest in our work,' said freelance photographer Mr Henry Wong, 22, a recent graduate.

Others said he was 'very charismatic' and 'a father figure' who 'pushed us to reach our fullest potential'.

Said a Lasalle staff member who has known Mr van Eyken for 30 years: 'He put in a lot of energy to make this film school a success. It's incredible how he made this a school with heart in just five years.'

Mr van Eyken said he is 'sad to leave' the staff and students he has been working with. He is 'very proud of all that was achieved in such a short time, with the resources that were available to us'.

He also feels the film school has much potential for growth.

The Lasalle spokesman said the institution is 'sorry to see Mr van Eyken go', but it 'does not have the power to prevent colleagues moving on'.

Mr van Eyken said there were no negotiations between himself and Lasalle 'this time round' over his resignation. 'I just resigned,' he said.

Lasalle is looking for a replacement.

'In the meantime, the Dean of the Faculty of Media Arts Wolfgang Muench has been appointed as interim head of the Puttnam School of Film,' said Prof Pearce.

Said Mr van Eyken: 'If my replacement continues with the same energy as me, the Puttnam School of Film will be fine.'

Last year, Lasalle's then-president and chief executive Robert Ely left the college, along with vice-president (quality) Richard Berry and vice-president (academic) Alan Lourens.

Their resignations were said to be over disagreements with the Ministry of Education (MOE) about how MOE funds should be used.

brynasim@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The New Paper.