Make Your First Film — and Launch Your Career — From Day One.

Whether you're fresh out of high school, exploring a new direction, or finally ready to chase a long-held dream, San Francisco Film School gives you the confidence, skills, and experience to turn your passion into a career.

 

International Opportunities. Award-Winning Mentors. Real-World Impact.

Your story deserves the right setting—and the right support to bring it to life. As an international student, you’ll join a vibrant community of storytellers and creators, guided by industry-recognized faculty and supported by opportunities like the Global Filmmaker Scholarship.

Whether you dream of directing powerful narratives, mastering the edit bay, or leading on-set as a cinematographer, this is where your journey begins.

START YOUR FILMMAKING JOURNEY >

Learn from Industry Professionals Who’ve Been There.

From Cannes to Sundance, our faculty don’t just teach film—they shape it.

Our instructors include award-winning directors, editors, and producers whose work has been featured in internationally recognized film festivals and on major platforms. You’ll learn from professionals with real-world credits and global industry insight—mentors who are as invested in your future as you are.

Why International Students Choose Us?

  • Hands-on from Day One: No waiting. You’ll be behind the camera, in the editing suite, and on real sets starting your first term.

  • A Global Perspective: Join peers from all over the world, and tell stories that resonate across cultures.

  • Career-Focused Training: Graduate with a strong portfolio and the industry knowledge to make your mark.

  • Support at Every Step: From visa guidance to housing support, we’ve got your back.
San Francisco Film School

Global Filmmaker Scholarship.

Scholarship Value: Up to $9,000

Who it’s for: International students passionate about visual storytelling

How to apply: Submit your creative portfolio with your application

This scholarship is designed to help international students bring their filmmaking dreams to life. It recognizes talent, vision, and potential—and supports your journey toward a meaningful creative career.

On Campus and Online Programs:

SFFS-Degree-Digital-Film-NB

AAS Degree in Digital Filmmaking

Length: 20 - 24 Months

The Associate of Applied Science degree program teaches every aspect of filmmaking and is designed for students wishing to pursue careers as writers, directors, cinematographers, producers and editors in the motion picture and television industries.

SFFS-Certificate-Digital-Film-NB

Professional Certificate in Digital Filmmaking

Length: 16 - 20 Months

The Professional Certificate program focuses on creative expression and technical proficiency, and is designed for students wishing to pursue careers in corporate and web-based production.

 

About San Francisco Film School.

The San Francisco Film School was founded by filmmakers with the core philosophy - “the best way to learn the art and craft of filmmaking is to make films!”

Our unique production-based curriculum combines traditional classroom learning with practical, hands-on instruction. Students study core areas of filmmaking including directing, screenwriting, cinematography, producing, editing & post-production, and audio for film.

During the course of each program, students make their own films, collaborate on classmates’ projects, make industry contacts, and create a body of work that will help them launch their career.

Ready to Create Without Limits?

Explore your future in film with a school built for global creatives and take the first step toward your filmmaking future.
  • Filmmaking School
  • Film School United States
  • Filmmaking School in the United States
  • SFFS Filmmaking School
  • San Francisco Film School Video School
  • SFFS Filmmaking School
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"After careful consideration, comparing and contrasting the top 20 film schools in the United States, I chose San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking. It has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life."

Joyce Anastasia
Digital Filmmaking Program Graduate
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"As a student I have been afforded many opportunities. I have worked on corporate projects, independent films, and even contracted my own gig as a producer for a fantastic non-profit organization."

Tammy Miller
Digital Filmmaking Program Graduate
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"I have definitely learned a lot from the documentary training program. I have been able to complete a high-quality commercial for my business, a documentary for my family, and a couple of short films to kick-start my own documentary filmmaking company."

Jeffery Leon
Documentary Filmmaking Program Graduate
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"After finding FilmSchoolSF in California and coming to an information session I realized that this was the perfect place for me to grow my craft and learn about the practical side of filmmaking. I immediately enrolled in a 5-week course and just one month later started the year long film program."

Cameron Lockwood
Digital Filmmaking Program Graduate
Filmmaking SFFS

Production | Directing | Screenwriting | Editing & Post Production | Commercials | Documentaries | Feature Films | Corporate