The Arts field comprises disciplines of study that would take AI a long time to replace. Film, in the art world, is something that constantly requires a human touch to it. It’s both a creatively rewarding and dynamic discipline. If you are an aspiring filmmaker, you might be excited to get into a university that hones your creative skills in an environment that could accentuate it.
From a historical perspective, France has been a hub for everything art and culture-related. Universities in France offer some of the best innovative filmmaking programs that align with the country’s value for creativity. Here are some of the best schools in France where you can pursue your filmmaking passion. From scripting to videography, you will find what you need in these universities’ programs.
Top Film Schools in France
1. Paris College of Art
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s | Medium of Instruction: English
The Paris College of Art offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Art program jointly offered with Emerson College. The university is located at the heart of Paris, historically known to attract the greatest thinkers and artists of the past.
This BFA in Film Art program is known for providing hands-on learning opportunities that constitute a mix of media and film training. This program is known for allowing students to train in filmmaking by being part of experimental films, video production for gallery installations, public art, and media development.
As a popular pick among international students, the college promotes filmmaking and art in a multicultural sense, prioritizing intercultural competence. Paris College of Art students can get exposure to the American academic framework during their program. Study destinations for the program could span Paris, Boston, and the Netherlands.
2. ESRA International Film School
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s | Medium of Instruction: English
ESRA International Film School in Paris is an institute predominantly focusing on bringing together international talent to the film industry. Programs offered in this school are taught entirely in English. ESRA’s programs occur at the heart of Paris, close to the Eiffel Tower and other sites of cultural significance.
ESRA has a one-year program, a bachelor’s program in Filmmaking, and other short summer programs in fashion film, filmmaking, cinematography, and directing. These short courses could be very helpful for international students who are just getting to know about the industry and hoping to get exposure to the industry.
As one of the country’s prominent film schools, ESRA has over 1,200 students nurtured by a network of industry professionals and alumni. Programs offer multiple learning opportunities, including lectures, internships, hands-on training, and traditional training.
3. EICAR International Film and Television School of Paris
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s | Medium of Instruction: English
EICAR International Film and Television School of Paris is a school for international students passionate about advanced filmmaking. Coming from an institute known for its significance in the film industry, the programs offered at this school are diverse and comprehensive.
The school has over 850 students and 150 instructors across their Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Like other film schools discussed here, EICAR provides practical education to students with a mixed curriculum of hands-on training and classroom-style learning opportunities.
The Bachelor’s and Master’s of Fine Arts in Filmmaking are taught entirely in English. International students passionate about French culture can also pick programs like the French Film Culture and Filmmaking short course offered here. Other short courses include content on directing, production, editing, cinematography, and screenwriting.
4. Ecole Nationale Supérieure Louis-Lumière
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Master’s | Medium of Instruction: English
Aimed at pre-professionals who require training to enter the French film industry, the programs offered at Ecole Nationale Supérieure Louis-Lumiére are focused on the holistic filmmaking process. It’s popular among international students as the rich French culture supplements the curriculum.
The master’s program offered at this institute incorporates technical skills, including knowledge of writing, directing, photography, and cinematography, which are core constituents of the film industry.
Students are trained to direct, prepare, and deliver at least a single full production demonstrating their skill level. The consistent hands-on experience provided here will cover various filmmaking aspects including direction, scripting, editing, costume designing, make-up, VFX, sound engineering, and more.
5. 3iS Film and Cinema School Paris
This private campus in Paris is one of the recognized higher education providers in the filmmaking industry of France. Standing for over 30 years, 3iS Paris brings together international creatives and industry professionals, boasting a custom-tailored program for students who have a passion for the industry.
The school has a very successful employment rate of 87% during the 1st year after graduation, which reflects a high-standard curriculum. Over 20 different nationalities are studying here.
A BA in Film and TV and a Master’s in Filmmaking are offered at this institution in English. The comprehensive curriculum includes art history, performing arts, audiovisuals, animation, sound, TV production, and more.
FAQs: Film Studies in France
Is a Film Degree in France Worth Pursuing?
Whether scripting, directing, producing, or editing films, filmmaking comes with a fair amount of risk and a high return on investment. Personal skills do play a significant role in this field of work, but filmmaking is a career worth pursuing if you are passionate about the industry.
French cinema, informally called “Gaulywood,” is dominant in the art world with enthusiasts from around the globe. The industry in France is dominated by commercial and auteur films, which are mostly comedies and thrillers. It’s an industry that doesn’t seem to die down in any part of the world, let alone in France, for years to come, making the prospect highly promising for aspiring filmmakers.
France stands as a cinematic haven with top-tier film schools that have consistently nurtured some of the finest talents in the industry. As an international student, these are some of the film schools in the country that you ought to check out if you are interested in the French film industry. These institutions provide exceptional education and pave the way for students to weave their cinematic dreams into the rich tapestry of French and international cinema.
We hope this article helped you identify the best Film Schools in France. If you’re interested in France, check out our Guide to Studying in France and Available Programs for International Students pages!
