Image by DC Studio on Freepik
Africa has a rich tradition of storytelling and, today, it is also a rising force in international cinema. Young filmmakers around the continent are tapping into deep cultural narratives and using film to tell global stories. So, if you are a budding filmmaker in 2024, here are five outstanding African film schools to hone your craft and unleash your creative vision.
Image Source: National Film Institute
1. National Film Institute (NFI), Jos – Nigeria
Located in the very heart of Jos, Nigeria, the National Film Institute is the powerhouse of cinematic innovation and training. Since its foundation in 1992, NFI has taken a critical place in the careers of many up-and-coming filmmakers across the world, where with accreditation with CILECT, the International Association of Film and Television Schools, it stands as a proudly recognized global education anchor with regional importance.
Why NFI?
Practical, hands-on learning for real-world filmmaking. NFI gives you in-depth learning from scriptwriting to cinematography and even film editing. One of the great features that set this institute apart from others is that it has state-of-the-art facilities for students to gain experience in industry-standard equipment. Whether it is a matter of digital photography or special effects, NFI gives students the chance to experiment, create, and thrive under the wings of professionals.
NFI brought some of its most prominent alumni into the international spotlight, including Nigerian film actor Daniel Effiong. This tells much about how well the institute prepares its graduates for success in society. If one dares to dream about cinemas, NFI has the tools, training, and support to help bring such visions into reality.
Image Source: Facebook | AFDA
2. AFDA, Africa Film Drama Art – South Africa
If you are serious about film, then AFDA is sure to be on your radar. With campuses scattered all over South Africa and Botswana, AFDA has produced a list of respected talents in the African film world. Since 1994, AFDA has grown to become one of the most celebrated schools in Africa, offering a large variety of programs in the areas of film, television, and live performance.
Why AFDA?
From directing and acting to production design and sound, AFDA has an all-rounded curriculum – it is not just a place to study; it is a place to create. With state-of-the-art studios, editing suites, and an expert faculty of seasoned professionals, all the opportunities are offered to hone your craft in very hands-on environments.
The current alumni now successfully work on major international projects, for instance, the works that gained international recognition by Pierre de Villiers in “This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection”. AFDA’s reputation soars; the guild is on top of the list for aspiring filmmakers seeking to break their way to the global scene.
Image Source: Thumbnail, Youtube | ESAV Marrakech
3. Ecole Supérieure des Arts Visuels (ESAV) – Morocco
Along Marrakech, Morocco’s pace lies ESAV‘s gem in cinematic education. For more than a decade since its inception in 2006, ESAV has shaped a niche for itself as a global incubator for creativity and innovation. It offers not only film courses but, more broadly, visual arts, offering its students a multidisciplinary experience.
Why ESAV?
Filmmaking is closely associated with cultural discovery and world views at ESAV. With its standing in delivering academic excellence with cinematic standards, ESAV ranks among the world’s best film schools. If you are interested in films and television, cinematography, or graphic design, the ESAV curriculum is designed to help develop creativity and technical knowledge.
One of the school’s stand-out features is its scholarship program, focused on empowering students from Sub-Saharan Africa. With state-of-the-art facilities, diverse course offerings, and a commitment to nurturing talent from every corner of the continent, ESAV is the perfect place to start on your filmmaking journey.
Image Source: Instagram | Kwetu Film Institute
4. Kwetu Film Institute – Rwanda
If you want to immerse yourself in a film school that is at the very heart of one of the fastest-moving cinematic movements on record, Kigali, Rwanda, would be a very good place to start. Founded by filmmaker Kabera Eric in 2005, Kwetu is a remarkably vibrant and dynamic hub for aspiring filmmakers who are passionate about shaping the future of African cinema.
Why Kwetu?
Kwetu Film Institute provides an overall education in film, touching on all aspects of filmmaking, including directing and cinematography, right down to work with sound design and film industry regulation. Education with actual equipment at the institute assures hands-on experience for the students, which makes them begin to make that actual difference in the real world upon arrival.
This is an up-and-coming film industry in Rwanda, so the students at Kwetu are immersed in an industry that has yet to blossom. It is indeed an exciting place in innovation where creativity and collaboration meet. Kwetu’s alumni are already beginning to leave their mark, and because this school is all about telling stories as a form of social transformation, it is the perfect place for bright, aspiring filmmakers with big dreams.
Image Source: Facebook | ADMI
5. African Digital Media Institute (ADMI) – Kenya
If you are passionate about filmmaking as well as digital media, then the place to be should be the African Digital Media Institute (ADMI) in Nairobi, Kenya. ADMI was started in 2011 by Wilfred Kiumi and offers courses in film, television production, animation, and more.
Why ADMI?
ADMI is at the forefront of digital media education in Africa. The look to the future approach here grooms students to succeed in the fast world of digital production. The programs, from animation and motion graphics to mobile app development, go far beyond tradition in their curriculum preparation for changing an industry.
Through such faculty members of industry leaders and alumni like Wambui Muigai, who has worked on Netflix’s “Sense8,” innovation and creativity are in the DNA of ADMI. If you need to future-proof your filmmaking career, your journey should begin at ADMI.
These five schools represent the best that Africa has to offer in film education at this point. Whether dreaming of great storytelling, mastering the art of cinematography, or setting new horizons in digital media, Africa has much to show and offers world-class opportunities to launch your career. For example, NFI, AFDA, ESAV, Kwetu, and ADMI have made the future of African cinema so bright. Will you be part of this next great chapter?
Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.
