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Master of Fine Arts Degree in Filmmaking

Build advanced filmmaking skills at nyfa.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Filmmaking program is a highly specialized degree with intensive study in narrative storytelling, screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, producing, and post-production sound design. Students learn-by-doing in this hands-on graduate degree, mastering traditional and digital film while tackling challenging creative film projects of increasing complexity.

Students get the opportunity to learn how to demonstrate a unique vision and gain mastery in cinematic storytelling skills and film production. The Filmmaking graduate program is rigorous and designed for students who can commit themselves to a full-time, focused, and demanding curriculum.

Related links

The MFA filmmaking programs are offered at our Los Angeles and South Beach campuses.

Start dates

• April, 2024
• August, 2024
• January, 2025
• September, 2025
• January, 2026
• August, 2026

The curriculum for the MFA in filmmaking at NYFA includes:

• Advanced coursework in classes such as Advanced Directing, Screenwriting Short Thesis, Master’s Professional Development, Sound Design, and more
• Instruction and critique by award-winning faculty and staff actively working in the film industry
• Consistent access to an equipment library with industry-standard cameras, dollies, light kits, sound equipment, and more
• Exclusive guest lectures from top film industry Directors, Actors, Producers, Cinematographers, and more

To obtain a full breakdown of the courses within the MFA program, refer to NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.

If you are a non-native English-speaking student who meets all admissions requirements for a NYFA degree program, except for English proficiency , apply to our International Pathway Program !

Degree Details

The MFA degree in Filmmaking is an accelerated two-year, six or seven semester program.

History and Theory Courses

The MFA curriculum is supported by History and Theory Courses. To learn more, visit NYFA’s History and Theory Courses page.

Faculty Highlights

NYFA’s MFA in filmmaking curriculum is taught by experienced professionals who actively work in their field of study.

Interview with Los Angeles Chair, Ed Timpe

Interview with south beach chair, herschel faber.

In addition to writing a feature-length script of 90-120 pages, students produce ten films through the program’s duration, including a master’s thesis film. These film projects reflect core film structures and formats, such as Mise en Scène, Continuity, Montage, POV, etc. Students also have the opportunity to work on 28 student films in various production roles such as director of photography, assistant camera operator, and gaffer, rounding out their experience.

For a full list of filmmaking projects, see our film projects on the film projects page.

Film School Alumni

The filmmaking projects completed in NYFA’s MFA Filmmaking program help students hone and refine their skills while providing hands-on experience. Students have gone on to work on films, television shows, podcasts, web series, and more. 

Assaad Yacoub

Director | Writer | Producer

Director | Cinematographer | Editor

Stefano Cipani

Director | Writer | Editor

Tuition and Dates

See the most up to date information regarding NYFA’s MFA in Filmmaking tuition and program dates .

The MFA in Filmmaking program is available at our campuses in Los Angeles and Miami.

NYFA Los Angeles 3300 W Riverside Drive Burbank, CA 91505

NYFA Miami 420 Lincoln Rd STE 200 Miami Beach, FL 33139

FEATURED CONTENT

Festival favorite ‘shirampari’ documentary headed to 2023 sundance film festival, nyfa filmmaking faculty: interview with andrea swift, nyfa filmmaking faculty: interview with claude kerven, a conversation with 1-year filmmaking conservatory alum & director florian gunzenhauser, nyfa filmmaking faculty: interview with jonathan whittaker, nyfa filmmaking faculty: interview with ed timpe , nyfa filmmaking faculty: interview with mark mocahbee, nyfa filmmaking faculty: interview with herschel faber, a conversation with nigerian filmmaker and nyfa filmmaking alum michael obiazi abadi, nyfa bfa filmmaking alum raquel bordin works on pixar’s ‘lightyear’, student showcase.

Please note: Equipment,  curriculum , and  projects  are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date  curriculum .