MFA Filmmaking - Postgraduate
An intensive 2-year degree-granting postgraduate program accessible after a Bachelor's degree, taught entirely in English, for international students wishing to develop professional expertise in directing and scriptwriting, taught in English in Paris.
MFA filmmaking program
An advanced degree-granting postgraduate program for English-speaking Bachelor's graduates wishing to specialize in audiovisual directing in English in Paris.
The program combines film culture: film history, film analysis and intensive practice: camera, optics, lighting, writing, directing and acting. These skills are put to use in the making of short films, under professional conditions.
Supervised by working professionals, enriched by masterclasses with filmmakers and industry decision-makers, this MFA offers a unique international environment at the heart of the European industry, fostering creation, experimentation and intercultural collaboration.
The program awards a state-recognized Postgraduate (Bac+5) degree recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Program highlights
A teaching staff drawn from the professional world
Professional level productions each year
A multidisciplinary campus including vfx, 3D Animation and Sound Studios
Large array of professional equipment in house
A unique learning experience :
The journey of a feature film
In addition to the lectures, workshops and productions : throughout the year, key creatives and technical leads of a feature film offer masterclasses to present their work, at the end of the year students are invited to the film premiere.
This year, the chosen movie is Stéphane Brizé's film UN BON PETIT SOLDAT, which wrapped up filming on July 17, 2025, starring Vincent Lindon and Alba Rohrwacher.
Previous editions:
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Why choose the MFA Filmmaking program ?
Exceptional employment rate
85% of graduates employed one year after graduation
Student Film
purchased by TF1!
A campus
combining all audiovisual professions Film, Sound and Animation
Networking events
for students all year round!
ESRA Ranked 1st French private film school
Le Figaro Ătudiant's independant ranking gave ESRA the 1st place in its 2025 ranking.
A school managed by professionals :
Lionel Steketee
MFA Program Coordinator - Film Director
French-American Film director and screenwriter best known for the hit comedy Case DĂ©part(2011). Prior to directing, he served as first assistant director on major international productions such as Lost in Space (1998), Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), Hotel Rwanda (2004), and on multiple commercial advertising productions alongside Wong Kar-wai for Philips, Dior, LancĂŽme and many more.
Armelle Mahé
ESRA Paris Dean - Sound engineer
French academy (CĂ©sar) award winner sound engineer and mixer whose work spans more than two decades in feature films. A graduate of the renowned La FĂ©mis (Sound Department, class of 1999), she has collaborated on numerous acclaimed films including The Search and Oscar winner March of the Penguins
Start your journey today
Imagine having the combined knowledge of an entire professional film crew, anytime you needed it.
- 700+ Hours of Lectures, Workshops and Productions
- Structured, Guided Career Paths
- Degree granting programs
- Join a 15000+ Alumni Community
- Exclusive Pro Networking Events
- Exclusive Premium Masterclasses all year long
- Professional film set Experience
- Build a strong portfolio of short films
...and much more. Unlock the complete ecosystem designed to build your film career.
Turn the ordinary into something remarkable. Notice every subtle detail. And carry your vision through with unwavering discipline.
What happens after ESRA ?
Our alumni work with companies such as Gaumont, Pathé, Canal+, Netflix, TF1, FTV, RMC, BFM, WEBEDIA, TRANSPAMEDIA, as well as independent studios and production companies.
A school available to everyone :
Apply for esra scholarships !
Studying at ESRA means accessing excellent training in the fields of audiovisual and it's also possible without financial obstacles.
ESRA offers scholarships and payment plans to allow future filmmakers to find the right program.
Campuses
ESRA Film School offers International programs in 4 campuses :
Paris, Cannes, Brussels and New York City.
ESRA Paris
ESRA Cannes
ESRA Brussels
ESRA New York
Start your film journey today
Download the brochure, receive information about the school and alumni, invitation to webinars, programs updates and much more or apply now !Â
What our 15.000+ alumni are saying...
These filmmakers were once where you are: skilled and ambitious, but looking for the path forward. Hear in their own words how the right school and a dedicated community made all the difference.
With great emotion, I remember myself in the first year at ESRA, working on my first projects and meeting such talented people. The student union also contributed so much to us. Thank you to the entire teaching team who always supported my professional project and to all the people who pushed me to be better.
Laurie Cauffet
ESRA filmmaking 2024
Thank you to this incredible graduating class, to Jennifer, to Mr. Bonnot, and to the teachers for their support. We grew together throughout this adventure. I am proud of what we have accomplished. I hope we will meet again in the future, united by our shared passion.
Léa Hué
ESRA filmmaking 2024
ESRA is, above all, about encounters, people who lent me a hand and helped me carry LED panels! It's quite curious to think that chance encounters shape a destiny, especially when you have a taste for cinema and doing things well. I found my path thanks to ESRA.
Romain Guimmara
ESRA filmmaking 2021
Studying at ESRA Paris has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The program strikes a great balance between theory and practice, while also providing access to top-quality equipment and unique opportunities to create our own projects. Even within my first year, I learned more about the film industry than I had ever expected, and the guidance from professors and resources at the school have been invaluable. I feel grateful for how much Iâve grown both personally and professionally during my time here.
Can Ceylan
ESRA filmmaking 2025
Three years rich in human and professional experience. I had the chance to work with wonderful people and to be well supported. We experienced a real group adventure, with intense projects. Thank you to ESRA and to all those who crossed my path.
Emilien Lelabourier
ESRA filmmaking 2024
Thanks to you, I have grown. I understood who I am. Understood what I wanted to be. All of this allowed me to write my film, "Cette Nuit Ă Offeu," which would be nothing today without the prodigious advice of some, and the immense will that you all demonstrated during its selection.
François GaudiÚre
ESRA filmmaking 2024
These years at ISTS have been an exciting immersion. We collaborated, learned, and shared powerful moments. Thank you to everyone I worked with. I found more than just classmates; I found true friends. I am proud of this collective journey.
Mathias Baillou
ESRA filmmaking 2022
One of my fondest memories of ESRA is the equipment available and the fact that I was able to do live TV, which gave me the impression of working for an international channel. It was an experience that taught me how to manage my career as a live TV producer, and how to manage a team of 80 people.
Maxence Carion
ESRA filmmaking Director
The school allowed me to familiarize myself with professional equipment that is difficult to access outside of a specialized environment. I benefited from both theoretical and practical instruction, supervised by professors and speakers from the industry, in conditions close to the professional world. This training also offered me the opportunity to explore different audiovisual professions, which helped me refine my career choices.
Nathan Hourbeigt
ESRA filmmaking 2024
Student films
Got a question ?
ARE ESRA DEGREES RECOGNIZED ?
Yes, the programs offered by ESRA are recognized by the French Ministry of Education and Research at Bachelor level and at postgraduate level, they give access to French CROUS scholarships, deliver ECTS credits and offer an international academic recognition.
DOES ESRA OFFER HOUSING
ESRA has an exclusive partnership with the Cité Universitaire International and offers housing in a state of the art international student residence inside a beautiful park just a few minutes away from the school by the Tramway. Request more information with the admissions officer and book your housing from abroad !
ESRA also has multiple housing partners offering a range of other housing solutions throughout the city.Â
How do I join ESRA ?
To become an ESRA student you must submit an application online on the application page, then choose your exam date and take the entrance exam. Admissions committees meet every month. If you are accepted, you can pre-register as early as November.
How much does ESRA cost ?
Prices for each course are given in the brochures. ESRA grants over 100,000 euros in scholarships and welcomes over 25% of scholarship holders each year. Students are also eligible for CROUS grants, as the degree is recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, and for housing subsidies.
What equipment is available at ESRA ?
Each ESRA campus has post-production and multi-station rooms equipped with powerful computers and the latest dedicated softwares, whether for film, sound or animation. In addition, each campus has an equipment shop containing a range of cameras, from HD Nikon and Canon to Sony FS7 and F55, and each school has an ARRI ALEXA 35 camera and numerous camera accessories, monitors and so on. They also have a wide range of microphones, recorders, plug-ins and laptops available for students to train with outside of class hours all year round. This is one of the school's strong points.
What is ESRA International Film School ?
ESRA International Film School is Europeâs leading specialized school to study filmmaking, offering filmmaking programs of excellence since 1972.
Choose from bachelorâs, masterâs, and short filmmaking programs tailored for study filmmaking abroad seekers, blending French film heritage with cutting-edge techniques. ESRA Alumni network of 15000+ audiovisual professionals incldues industry leaders as well as award winning filmmakers. The school thrives in Europeâs and American vibrant film scene, making ESRA a top choice among filmmaking schools worldwide.
Who can join ESRA Filmmaking Programs ?
ESRAâs film programs target aspiring filmmakers at different career stages, primarily international students seeking Film programs in English. These programs emphasize hands-on skills in directing, production, and technical roles for cinema and audiovisual industries.
BA in Film
This three-year bachelorâs program suits high school graduates or equivalent (post-baccalaurĂ©at level), including French and international students passionate about storytelling. No prior knowledge in Film is necessary to apply.
MFA in Film
The two-year postgraduate MFA targets holders of a bachelorâs degree, focusing on foreign students advancing in screenwriting, directing, and professional short film production. It appeals to those deepening theoretical and practical expertise for global industry integration.
Summer Programs
These two-week intensives draw aspiring filmmakers worldwide, including college students and adults with basic interest but no prior experience required. They offer introductory workshops in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing for immersive, short-term skill-building .
One-Year Filmmaking Programs
Designed for those with some filmmaking background, this intensive suits post-bac or experienced learners seeking core skills in production without a full degree commitment. It targets motivated individuals aiming for quick professional entry in film and TV.
Applications are open
Studying abroad is much easier when done in advance, apply early and benefit from ESRA housing and quicker visa process. Request more information to the admissions officer !Â