It comes as no surprise that Germany has some of the best film schools in the world, and while this is a great feat, it becomes a slight problem for aspiring filmmakers when making a decision on which film school to get into.
The best film schools in Germany are those schools with the best filmmaking programs, facilities, and instructors where aspiring filmmakers can get enrolled and become professionals in the industry.
What we have done in this article is to bring together the top film-producing schools in Germany for you to be able to make a more informed decision.
Is Germany good for film studies?
Germany is a great place to study film thanks to its strong film industry and rich history in the medium.
The country has a long history with art, art movement, and expression, and also regards filmmaking as an art rather than just a business.
There are many different film-producing schools in Germany, each with its own strengths and focus.
What should I do to prepare for the film schools in Germany?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for film school.
- First, research the different film-producing schools available, and find the one that’s the best fit for you.
- Second, start honing your filmmaking skills by practicing with a camera and editing software.
- Third, begin networking with other aspiring filmmakers.
- Fourth, start saving up money to cover tuition and living expenses.
- And finally, brush up on your German language skills (most schools require at least a basic level of proficiency).
What are the best film schools in Germany?
Here is a list of some of the top film-producing schools in Germany.
- University of Television and Film Munich
- MetFilm School Berlin
- The University of Europe for Applied Sciences
- Merz Akademie
- Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg
- Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademia Berlin
- Internationale Filmschule Koln
- Film Academy Baden-Württemberg
- Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts and Technology
- Academy of Media Arts Cologne
1. The University of Television and Film Munich (HFF)
Founded in 1966 and located in Munich, Bavaria, the University of Television and Film Munich is one of the most highly respected film-producing schools in Europe.
They offer a wide range of courses for aspiring filmmakers, from directing and screenwriting to cinematography and producing.
The film programs here are 9 semesters long and some of them include;
- Production and Media Management
- Screenplay
- Image Design (Cinematography)
- Image Design (VFX)
- Directing for Cinema and Television Film
- Documentary Film and Television Journalism
It might interest you to know that the University of Television and Film Munich is also one of the easiest film schools to get into in Europe with over 350 students enrolled.
The University of Television and Film Munich also has four film studios and four cinemas on campus, and a hands-on training environment.
Students can also choose from any of the following areas to specialize in:
- TV Journalism
- Advertising
- Creative Writing
- Serial Storytelling
- Image, Light, and Space
If you’re looking for a top-notch filmmaking education, the University of Television and Film Munich is definitely worth considering.
Contact details:
Address: Bernd-Eichinger-Platz 1, 80333 München, Germany.
Phone: +49 89 689570.
2. MetFilm School Berlin
Originally founded in 2003 and located in the heart of Berlin, MetFilm School Berlin is one of the top filmmaking schools in Germany.
The school offers four-week short courses for Masters’s degree programs and offers a two-year BA (Hons) in Screen Acting, as well as a one-year diploma program.
MetFilm School Berlin also has a strong international focus, it is a film school in Germany with programs in English.
About 98% of its students come from all over the world to study at the school, and Masters are available in:
- Cinematography
- Directing, and
- Documentary.
Besides the Masters’s programs, the school also has several undergraduate programs and offers students the opportunity to split the program between Berlin and London.
Students can also choose from any of the following areas to specialize in:
- Practical Filmmaking
- Screen Acting (BA, 2 years)
- Directing (MA)
- Screenwriting (MA)
- Documentary & Factual (MA)
- Cinematography (MA)
Contact details:
Address: Berliner Union Film Studios, Oberlandstraße 26-35, 12099 Berlin, Germany.
Phone: +49 30 767333170.
3. The University of Europe for Applied Sciences
The University of Europe for Applied Sciences is one of the best filmmaking schools in Germany, it is located in two cities; Berlin and Hamburg.
They offer programs that cover all aspects of filmmaking, from directing and producing, to cinematography and screenwriting, you’ll get a well-rounded education at this school.
Students interested in filmmaking can also choose from any of the following areas to specialize in:
- Photography
- Film and Motion Design
- Communication Design
- Illustration
- Media Spaces, and
- Innovation Management.
Other courses of interest may include Journalism, Digital Management, Business, and Marketing.
And with their state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, you’ll have access to the latest equipment and technology.
Contact details:
Phone number: +49 30 338 539 510.
4. Merz Akademie
Founded in 1918 and located in Stuttgart, the Merz Akademie is one of the most highly respected film schools in Germany.
It is a non-profit university with a strong focus on art, design, media, and experimental filmmaking.
The school has produced some of the most innovative films to come out of the country in recent years.
Contact details:
Address: Teckstraße 58, 70190 Stuttgart, Germany.
Phone: +49 711 268660.
5. Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg
The Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg is one of the oldest and largest film schools in Germany.
Students interested in filmmaking can also choose from any of the following areas to specialize in:
- Animation
- Audiovisual application design
- Cinematography
- Digital media culture
- Script and dramaturgy
- Film and television production, etc.
Contact details:
Address: Marlene-Dietrich-Allee 11, 14482 Potsdam, Germany.
Phone: +49 331 62020.
6. Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademia Berlinm (DFFB)
The Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademia Berlin, also known as the DFFB, is one of the most prestigious film schools in Germany.
It was founded in 1966 and has since produced some of the most successful German filmmakers.
The DFFB offers a four-year program that includes both theoretical and practical training, and interested students can also choose from any of the following programs:
- Directing
- Cinematography
- Producing
- Editing & Sound
- Screenwriting
Though these programs are taught primarily in German, some aspects of the school require reading, writing, and speaking English.
If you’re looking to study film in Germany, the DFFB should definitely be at the top of your list.
Contact details:
Address: Potsdamer Str. 2, 10785 Berlin, Germany.
Phone: +49 30 257590.
7. Internationale Filmschule Koln
The Internationale Filmschule Koln is a top private film school located in Cologne, Germany that was established in 2000.
The school offers programs that focus on teaching the art of filmmaking, and students have the opportunity to learn from some of the best filmmakers in the world and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment.
Students can choose from any of the following study programs (Both English and German):
- Creative Producing (BA)
- Director of Photography (BA)
- Directing (BA)
- Editing Picture & Sound (BA)
- Production Design (BA)
- Screenwriting (BA)
- VFX & Animation (BA)
- Entertainment Producing (MA)
- 3D Animation for Film & Games (MA)
- Digital Narratives (MA)
- Serial Storytelling (MA)
The last three MA programs are in English. BA programs are 7 semesters long, MA programs are 4 semesters long.
Contact details:
Address: Schanzenstraße 28, 51063 Köln, Germany.
Phone: +49 221 9201880.
8. Film Academy Baden-Württemberg
Founded in 1991 and located in the beautiful city of Ludwigsburg, Film Academy Baden-Württemberg is one of the best film academies in Germany.
This school has a well-rounded curriculum that will prepare you for a career in filmmaking, it offers programs that are in cooperation with La Fémis in Paris, one of the best film schools in France.
With experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, this academy is one of the best in the country.
Students can choose from any of the following study programs (Both English and German):
- Advertising film
- Animation
- Cinematography
- Documentary film
- Editing
- Film and series production
- Screenwriting
- TV Journalism, etc.
Contact details:
Address: Akademiehof 10, 71638 Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Phone: +49 7141 9690.
9. Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts and Technology
Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts and Technology is one of the top film institutes in Berlin, Germany.
This institution offers degrees and short courses in:
- Filmmaking
- Production
- Writing
- Directing
- Cinematography
- Editing
- Video post-production
- Visual effects
- Practical FX, etc.
Contact details:
Address: Nalepastraße 18, 12459 Berlin, Germany.
Phone: +49 30 29009052.
10. Academy of Media Arts Cologne
Founded in 1990, the Academy of Media Arts Cologne is one of the most prestigious film schools in Germany, and it’s also one of the hardest to get into.
But if you’re lucky enough to be accepted, you’ll be taught by some of the best filmmakers in the country.
Students can choose from any of the following programs;
- Animation
- 3D-Animation
- Art and media studies
- Film production
- Video art
- Image design
- Computer networks and Code
- Scriptwriting
- Storytelling
- Dramaturgy, etc.
The school has a strong focus on independent and avant-garde filmmaking, so if that’s your thing, this is the place for you.
Contact details:
Address: Peter-Welter-Platz 2, 50676 Köln, Germany.
Phone: +49 221 201890.
Conclusion
A good film school will teach you the basics of filmmaking, from writing and directing to cinematography and editing.
And while there are many great film schools around the world, Germany has some of the best.
So if you’re looking to study filmmaking, these are the best film schools in Germany that you should consider applying to.
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Film Schools in Germany | FAQs
What should you consider before applying for film Schools in Germany?
- Do your research – make sure the school you’re applying to is accredited and has a good reputation.
- Consider your budget – film school can be expensive, so make sure you can afford it.
- Look into the curriculum – see if it matches your interests and goals.
- Check out the faculty – see if they’re experienced and reputable in the industry.
- Ask around – talk to other filmmakers and see if they have any recommendations.
What do you do after film school?
After you’ve completed your degree at one of these great German film schools, what’s next?
Here are a few options to consider, you could move to Hollywood and try to make it big in the American film industry, or, you could stay in Germany and work your way up the filmmaking ladder here.
There are also opportunities to freelance or work on independent films. Whatever you decide, there’s no shortage of options for aspiring filmmakers.
To access more related resources, then check out our film schools category.
