10 Best Film Schools in Africa (2025)

Africa is rich in culture, storytelling, and creativity, and its film industry is no exception. Home to Nigeria’s Nollywood, the second-largest film industry in the world by output, Africa is a hub for cinematic talent and innovation. Nollywood alone produces over 2,500 films annually, this shows the continent’s ability to tell compelling stories that resonate globally.

For aspiring filmmakers looking to hone their craft, Africa boasts some of the best film schools that offer world-class training, hands-on experience, and access to industry professionals. Here are the top 10 film schools in Africa that are shaping the future of cinema.

1. National Film Institute (NFI), Jos, Nigeria

The National Film Institute in Jos is one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious film schools. Established in 1992, it is accredited by CILECT, the International Association of Film and Television Schools, making it a globally recognized institution. NFI offers practical training in scriptwriting, cinematography, film editing, and digital photography. Its state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment provide students with the tools to excel in filmmaking.

How to Get In:

• Visit the NFI website (nfi.edu.ng) for application details.
• Submit academic transcripts and a portfolio of creative work.
• Attend an interview or entrance exam.

Interesting Fact: NFI alumni include Daniel Effiong, a renowned Nigerian actor known for his roles in critically acclaimed films.

Website: nfi.edu.ng

2. AFDA (Africa Film Drama Art), South Africa

AFDA is one of Africa’s leading film schools, with campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha. Founded in 1994, AFDA offers a comprehensive curriculum covering directing, acting, producing, cinematography, and sound design. The school is known for its hands-on approach, allowing students to work on real-world projects.

How to Get In:

• Apply online via the AFDA website (afda.co.za).
• Provide academic records and a creative portfolio.
• Attend an interview or audition for performance-based courses.

Interesting Fact: AFDA alumni have worked on international projects like This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

Website: afda.co.za

3. Ecole Supérieure des Arts Visuels (ESAV), Marrakech, Morocco

ESAV is a top-tier film school offering courses in film and television, cinematography, and graphic design. Founded in 2006, it is accredited by CILECT and is known for its multidisciplinary approach to visual arts education.

How to Get In:

• Apply online at the official website.
• Submit academic records and a creative portfolio.
• International students can apply for scholarships.

Interesting Fact: ESAV’s scholarship program supports students from Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering cross-cultural collaboration.

Website: esavmarrakech.com

4. African Digital Media Institute (ADMI), Nairobi, Kenya

ADMI is a leading institution for film and digital media education in Africa. Established in 2011, it offers courses in film production, animation, and motion graphics. ADMI’s forward-thinking curriculum prepares students for the fast-evolving digital media landscape.

How to Get In:

• Apply online at admiafrica.com.
• Provide academic records and a creative portfolio.
• Attend an interview or entrance exam.

Interesting Fact: ADMI alumni have worked on Netflix’s Sense8, showcasing the institute’s global impact.

Website: admi.africa

5. Del-York Creative Academy, Lagos, Nigeria

Del-York Creative Academy is a pioneer in film and media education in Africa. Established in 2010, it offers intensive training in acting, screenwriting, cinematography, and digital content creation. The academy collaborates with Hollywood experts to provide students with global industry insights.

How to Get In:

• Visit the academy’s website (delyorkcreative.academy) for course details.
• Submit an application form and attend an interview.
• Scholarships are available for exceptional candidates.

Interesting Fact: Del-York has trained over 10,000 creatives from across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Website: delyorkcreative.academy

Social Media: Instagram

6. Kwetu Film Institute, Kigali, Rwanda

Kwetu Film Institute is a vibrant hub for aspiring filmmakers in East Africa. Founded in 2005, it offers training in directing, cinematography, sound design, and film industry regulation. The institute emphasizes hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment.

How to Get In:

• Visit the website for application details.
• Submit a creative portfolio and attend an interview.
• Scholarships are available for Rwandan nationals.

Interesting Fact: Kwetu is at the forefront of Rwanda’s growing film industry, which is gaining international recognition.

Website: kwetu.rw

7. Royal Arts Academy, Lagos, Nigeria

Founded by renowned filmmaker Emem Isong in 2010, Royal Arts Academy is a top choice for aspiring actors, directors, and screenwriters. The academy offers courses in acting, screenwriting, editing, and directing.

How to Get In:

• Visit royalartsacademy.com for application details.
• Submit a creative portfolio and attend an interview.
• Scholarships are available for talented students.

Interesting Fact: The academy has produced stars like Lota Chukwu and Etinosa Idemudia, who have made significant contributions to Nollywood.

Website: royalartsacademy.com.ng

8. PEFTI Film Institute, Lagos, Nigeria

PEFTI Film Institute, established in 2004, is one of Nigeria’s oldest film schools. It offers training in acting, scriptwriting, cinematography, and music production. The institute is accredited by the National Board for Technical Education.

How to Get In:

• Apply online at peftifilm.com.
• Submit academic records and a creative portfolio.
• Attend an interview or entrance exam.

Interesting Fact: PEFTI has produced notable alumni like Funke Akindele, a leading actress in Nollywood.

Website: pefti.tv

9. Imagine Film Institute, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Founded by acclaimed filmmaker Gaston Kaboré in 2005, Imagine Film Institute is a center for cinematic excellence in West Africa. It offers courses in screenwriting, cinematography, and video production.

How to Get In:

• Visit institutimagine.com for application details.
• Submit a creative portfolio and attend an interview.
• Scholarships are available for talented students.

Interesting Fact: Kaboré’s film Buud Yam won the top prize at FESPACO in 1997, highlighting the institute’s legacy.

Website: institutimagine.com

10. Spectrum Film School, Nairobi, Kenya

Spectrum Film School is a premier institution for film education in East Africa. It offers flexible programs in film production, scriptwriting, and cinematography. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty make it a top choice for aspiring filmmakers.

How to Get In:

• Apply online at spectrumfilmschool.com.
• Submit academic records and a creative portfolio.
• Attend an interview or entrance exam.

Interesting Fact: Spectrum’s curriculum aligns with global industry standards, ensuring graduates are competitive in the international market.

Website: spectrumfilmschool.com

Conclusion

Africa’s film schools are not just educational institutions; they are gateways to a thriving industry that is making waves globally. From Nollywood’s prolific output to the rising stars of East and West Africa, the continent is a treasure trove of cinematic talent. Whether you’re an aspiring director, actor, or screenwriter, these top 10 film schools offer the tools, training, and opportunities to turn your passion into a career. Explore their websites, apply, and take the first step toward becoming part of Africa’s cinematic revolution.