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Top 10 Film Schools in the World for 2024

This article contains information on the Top 10 Film Schools In The World as at 2024.

I understand the place of having natural acting abilities. As much as I’m not disputing acting talents, it is important to know that if you must excel in the film industry, going for advanced training in specialized institutions opens the door to greater opportunities in the field. Hence, the need to consider enrolling into film schools.

If you’re passionate about the film industry, then it’s only natural that you’ll need to attend the best film schools to help further your film and TV career. 

According to Wikipediafilm schools are educational institutions dedicated to teaching the art and craft of filmmaking, including such subjects as film production, film theory, digital media production, and screenwriting, cinematography, etc.

They provide students with hands-on experience and access to the latest equipment and technology. Graduates of film schools often go on to work in the film industry as directors, writers, producers, and other professionals. Many of the top film schools in the world have produced successful alumni and have a reputation for excellence in the field.

In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 film schools in the world, their establishment date and a brief summary of the school.

TOP 10 FILM SCHOOLS IN THE WORLD

In no particular order, here are top 10 film schools in the world:

1. The American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles, California

Established in 1967, AFI is considered one of the top film schools in the world and over the years it has maintained the rank as number 1 film school in America. The conservatory offers a two-year program in directing, producing, screenwriting, and cinematography. Graduates of the AFI include Chloe Okuno, David Lynch, Terrence Malick, Darren Aronofsky, and Patty Jenkins, Andrea Arnold

2. The London Film School (LFS)

The London Film School (LFS) which was  established in 1965, is the first film school in the UK and it’s internationally celebrated for its commitment to film, craft excellence, innovation and creative freedom. It has a strong emphasis on practical filmmaking, and students have access to the latest equipment and facilities. The School offers a two-year Master of Arts in Filmmaking and Screenwriting. Since its establishment, it has produced graduates who are excelling in the competitive industry because of the active practical knowledge students are exposed to. (https://studylink.com/institutions/the-london-film-school/courses/cid-si-160546).

The film school has alumni spanning the globe, and working in every part of the film industry, one of which includes Mike Leigh.

3. New York University Tisch School of the Arts

The New York University Tisch School of the Arts is another highly respected film school. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in film and television production to international students from different countries. It is fully committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equity and has a wide range of training and resources such as anti-racism and disability resources available to both faculty staff and students.

As an international student, you will need to show you have the correct level of English to apply. 

Graduates of Tisch include Martin Scorsese, Lady Gaga, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, and Ang Lee.

4. The University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts

Established in 1929, USC School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles is another top film school in the world. The school confers degrees ranging from undergraduate to doctorate in film and television production, screenwriting, and animation. 

The SCA is composed of seven divisions: 

  • John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts; 
  • The Division of Cinema and Media Studies; 
  • Film and Television Production; 
  • Interactive Media and Games; 
  • The John Wells Division of Writing for Screen and Television;
  • Media Arts and Practice. 
  • Peter Stark Producing Program;

Graduates of USC include Robert Zemeckis, George Lucas, etc.

5. The Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS)

(AFTRS) was established in 1973 and ever since it has remained one of the top film schools in the world. It offers a two-year graduate diploma in film and television production. Also, the school offers either a full-time, or part-time, on campus, or online Short, or long-term program. 

What’s more interesting about this film school is that its students, both recent and graduates, have access to a wide range of internship and placement opportunities. So, you truly don’t have to worry so much about where to get hands-on experience.

Graduates of AFTRS include Gillian Armstrong, Jane Campion.

6. The National Film and Television School (NFTS) 

NFTS in Beaconsfield, United Kingdom is another highly respected film school with a strong emphasis on practical filmmaking. It was established in 1971. The NFTS runs more than 30 MA, Diploma and Certificate courses as well as numerous part time and short courses in film, television, and games. So, there is a course plan for everyone, to suit a wide range of needs and backgrounds. 

Lynne Ramsay is one of the top graduates of NFTS. 

7. The Beijing Film Academy

BYFA, Beijing, China is one of the top and largest film schools specializing in the tertiary education for film and television production in Asia since it’s establishment in 1950. It is a coeducational state-run higher education institution. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in film and television production, screenwriting, and animation. 

The academy has earned international recognition for its achievements in film production.

Some notable graduates of BFA include Chen Kun , Zhao Wei, Wu Tianming and a host of others.

8. The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)

FTII, located in Pune, India, is the premier institute in the country that provides training for acting, film making, video editing, directing and production. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in film and television production, screenwriting, and directing. 

Graduates of FTII include Girish Kasaravalli, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and others.

9. The Toronto Film School

TFS is well established as one of the best film schools in Canada. With a wide curriculum covering everything from film and TV production to interior decorating, the the top-ranking Toronto Film School provides students with the theory and practice needed to succeed in the industry, in a range of disciplines such as film production, writing for film, acting aswell as video game design and animation. The

Programs at the Film School take between one and two years to complete and all students graduate with a diploma.

As a film production student, the schools ensure you get a work placement

10. Sydney Film School

The school was founded in 2004 to teach the essential filmmaking tools necessary for a successful career in the global film industry. Through their one year Diploma, students learn the theory of filmmaking, and then apply it by making films.

Unlike some other schools who might be interested in the having large number of students, Sydney Film School have very limited enrollments which they check thorough strict interview process.

Since Sydney Film School’s inception, alumni have gone onto successful careers across the globe, and create a network for new students to build relationships with.

Sydney Film School (SFS) is acclaimed as one of the top film schools globally (https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/sydney-film-school).

CONCLUSION

It’s worth mentioning that this list is subjective and there are many other reputable film schools in the world, like The La Fémis in Paris, The Vancouver Film School,  The Polish National Film, Television and Theatre School, The National Autonomous University of Mexico, and many others. However, the film schools listed here have consistently ranked as one of the top film schools worldwide.

If you’re interested in any of the schools listed, do well to carry out more in depth research about the school too.

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