ESRA, a history of excellence

Training talent, inspiring careers, shaping the future of image.

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France's first private Filmmaking school

#1 in Figaros' 2026 ranking

Our programs are recognized by the French government and award state-approved diplomas at Bac+3 and Bac+5 levels.

With a strong international profile, the school is part of the ERASMUS+ program and offers these programs in English.

The school offers a full range of vocational training programs, from retraining modules to hardware and software certification, as well as high-level programs for industry experts through DIXIT, it's training department.

History

A timeline of excellence

Photo students ESRA international filmmaking School programs

1972 - 2024

Founded in 1972 by Max Azoulay, ESRA, a higher education institution specializing in audiovisual production, was created in response to the need to train versatile professionals, initially in a two-year program, later in a three. The school's development was based on the vision and intuition of its founder and his ability to seize professional opportunities. This organic growth led to the establishment of four campuses (Paris, Rennes, Côte d'Azur, and Brussels) and peer recognition of ESRA's excellence. International development quickly became a natural step, with the opening of campuses in Brussels and New York City, as well as programs taught entirely in English.

2024 -2031

In 2024, after their father retired, David and Benjamin Azoulay launched an ambitious program to reorganize the schools' activities. The professionalization of support services and the restructuring of the curriculum reinforced the school's ranking.

This development is supported by a solid network of alumni (15,000 alumni), ensuring an excellent employment rate for young graduates.

The deployment of a strong international presence, in line with the founding vision, strengthens ESRAs' leading position and highlights the schools' committment to building a solid and sustainable model.

Key dates

2007

Opening of ESRA New York
First short and long programs in English in New York, designed exclusively for students from various ESRA programs.

2015

Launch of English-language Summer Programs in Paris
ESRA launches its first international short programs with English-language Summer Programs, designed to welcome students from around the world to the Paris campus.

2016

Creation of the One Year Filmmaking Program (Paris)
The school takes a new step forward with the launch of an intensive one-year program in English, focused on filmmaking and aimed at an international audience.

2018

Launch of the ESRA Cinema Bac+3 program in English (Paris)
ESRA expands its academic offering with a comprehensive three-year program in English, strengthening its appeal to foreign students wishing to pursue a degree in France.

2019

Signing of a strategic partnership with FUDAN University
The school consolidates its presence in Asia through a structured partnership with one of China's most prestigious universities: FUDAN University.

2022

New School/Parsons-accredited summer program in Cannes
Creation of a unique summer program in Cannes, allowing participants to earn academic credits from The New School in New York, in collaboration with Parsons School of Design. This project marks a major step forward in the international recognition of ESR programs.

2023

Filmmaking program for MBC Academy (Saudi Arabia)
Thirty Saudi students welcomed to Cannes as part of a one-year filmmaking program developed with MBC Academy, illustrating ESRA's ability to design tailor-made training courses for partner institutions.

2025

Acceleration of major international projects
The year 2025 marks a major turning point with several simultaneous launches:
• Implementation of a multidisciplinary program in Paris for AFALULA
• Opening of the Filmmaking MFA in Paris
• Creation of the Filmmaking Bachelor's degree in Cannes
• Launch of the academic agreement with Hebei University of Science and Technology
These initiatives reinforce ESRA's position as a leading European player in international audiovisual training.

2026

Deployment in China and documentary projects in Beijing
ESRA continues its momentum with a new phase of academic cooperation in China:
• July 2026: sending 15 ESRA students and 3 professors to Beijing as part of the partnership with UCU to produce documentary films
• September 2026: opening of the ESRA program in partnership with Hebei University of Science and Technology

David Azoulay

Chairman of ESRA

Stable, lasting support

ESRA is a family school with a long-term commitment to its students.

For over 25 years, ESRA has been delivering a recognized degree and has constantly adapted to the profound technological changes that have transformed the audiovisual industry.

Still in the throes of reconfiguration with the arrival of Artificial Intelligence, ESRA continues to monitor changes in professional practices to adapt its programs.

ESRA is a family school with the ambition of excellence for our Programs. Our commitment and responsibility are for the very long term and we accompany each generation of talent with the same passion and rigor, and sometimes even the children of former students who contribute to this family aspect.