July 08, 2021

A List of the Best Film Schools in the Philippines

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  • With all the local and international awards that Filipino filmmakers have garnered in 2016, it is truly inspiring to learn about filmmaking and its contribution to the Filipino culture. If you wish to learn about the film discipline, check out these top film schools in the Philippines:

    1. University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI)

    up-diliman

    UP Diliman. Image grabbed from Hoppler

    UPFI in UP Diliman is the only internationally-accredited academic institution that offers undergraduate and master courses for film. According to its website, UPFI “aims to contribute to the development of genuinely Filipino national cinema by providing well-rounded liberal arts education.” Some of the well-known Filipino filmmakers and national artists are UPFI alumni, such as independent cinema director Kidlat Tahimik, film producer Nick Deocampo, and Lino Brocka.

    Location: University of the Philippines Diliman, Diliman, Quezon City

    1. De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)

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    DLS-CSB. School of Design and Arts (SDA) offers a course in Filmmaking. Image grabbed from Guide Manila

    De La Salle College of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts offers a program on Bachelor of Arts in Digital Filmmaking. It teaches about the “traditions of motion picture production combining it with modern digital technology.” Subjects offered include Documentary Film production, Scriptwriting, Sound Design, and Digital Video Production among others.

    Location: Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila

    1. International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT)

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    IAFT in Cebu. Image grabbed from IAFT’s Facebook page

    Based in Cebu, IAFT is a film school that reflects Hollywood roots and traditions, offering Certificate and Diploma programs in film, acting and 3D animation. It is voted as “one of the best film schools in the world” by Hollywood Reporter. Its experienced mentors in the film industry are teaching a real-world approach, making it one of the best schools for hands-on film education learning.

    Location: One Hollywood Blvd., Bigfoot I.T. and Media Park, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

    1. Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI)

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    APFI. Asia Pacific Film Institute’s logo

    Founded by acclaimed filmmaker Marilou Diaz-Abaya and veteran producer Bem “M7” Yalung, APFI was created to provide practical and comprehensive filmmaking education. Various multi-awarded filmmakers in the Philippines such as Celso Ad Castillo were tapped to be lecturers for the institute. Programs offered in APFI are Full Motion, Basic Motion Picture, Basic Directing, Cinematography, Production Management and Basic Editing, among others.

    Location: Unit 4, 4/F, Corporate House Building, Col. Bonny Serrano, Ave., Quezon City

    1. School of Intermedia, Film, and Technology (SHIFT)

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    SHIFT Manila logo

    Located in Makati City, SHIFT offers long and short programs in Digital Film Production and Digital Post-Production among many more. Each SHIFT classes are limited to 15 students with necessary tools and learning aids they need for the program. They also offer Capsule classes or Special classes in the form of workshop, seminar, or lecture so if you don’t want a full-time class, then you can still learn the art of filmmaking in your preferred time.

    Location: The One School, 55 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

     

    *Featured image from Editing Corp

               
               
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