11 Best Film Schools in Africa 'Where to Study Film Production in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya & Beyond' (2025)

As Africa’s creative economy accelerates into 2026, the film and television industry across Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, and Africa at large continues to experience unprecedented growth. Streaming platforms, independent productions, AI-driven storytelling, and global co-productions have increased the demand for professionally trained filmmakers.

Choosing the right film school in Africa is now more important than ever.

In this 2025 update, we spotlight the 11 best film schools in Africa, ranked for relevance, impact, industry alignment, and graduate outcomes, starting with Spectrum Film School in Nairobi, Kenya, widely regarded as one of the most practical and industry-ready film schools on the continent.

1. Spectrum Film School – Nairobi, Kenya (Best Film School in Africa '2025')

If you are searching for the best place to study film production in Africa, Spectrum Film School stands out as the leading film school in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, and Africa.

Located in the heart of Nairobi’s creative ecosystem, Spectrum Film School combines hands-on production training, industry mentorship, and flexible learning models, making it the top choice for aspiring filmmakers across the continent.

Courses Offered

• Film Production
• Acting for Film, TV & Theatre
• Animation
• Photography

Learning Model

• Physical (Nairobi Campus)

• Virtual Learning

• Hybrid Training

• Strong focus on hands-on practical skills

Location

Delta House, Suite 306, University Way
Nairobi, Kenya

Why Spectrum Film School Ranks #1 in Africa

Industry-Driven Curriculum
Spectrum’s programs are built around real-world production workflows, covering pre-production, production, post-production, digital distribution, and film business.

Practical, Hands-On Training
Students work with professional cameras, lighting setups, editing suites, and live productions, preparing them for immediate industry entry.

Expert Faculty & Mentorship
Courses are taught by working filmmakers, producers, and creative entrepreneurs active in Kenya, East Africa, and Africa.

Flexible & Accessible Education
Spectrum offers affordable tuition, modular programs, and hybrid learning, making film education accessible to students across Africa.

Strong Industry & Career Pathways
Graduates work in film, TV, advertising, digital media, content creation, and the fast-growing creative tech space.

Admissions & Contact

• Phone: (+254)798486790

• Email: admissions@spectrumfilmschool.com

• Website: spectrumfilmschool.com

Spectrum Film School is the best place to study film production in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, and Africa in 2025.

2. National Film Institute (NFI) – Jos, Nigeria

A CILECT-accredited institution founded in 1992, NFI remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s formal film education.

Programs include:
Cinematography, Editing, Scriptwriting, Acting & Directing, Makeup & Special Effects

Website: nfi.edu.ng

3. AFDA – South Africa

AFDA (The School for the Creative Economy) is one of Africa’s most internationally visible film schools, with campuses across South Africa and Botswana.

Strengths:
Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Visual Effects, Sound, Animation

Website: afda.co.za

4. Imagine Film Institute – Burkina Faso

Founded by legendary filmmaker Gaston Kaboré, Imagine Film Institute plays a key role in Francophone African cinema.

Focus Areas:
Screenwriting, Cinematography, Video & Stage Production

Website: Institut Imagine

5. ESAV Marrakech – Morocco

One of Africa’s most internationally connected film schools and a CILECT-accredited institution, ESAV attracts students from across Africa and Europe.

Courses:
Film & TV, Cinematography, Graphic & Interactive Design

Website: esavmarrakech.com

6. WITS School of Arts – South Africa

Ranked among the world’s top film schools, WITS offers academic depth and research-driven film education.

Programs:
Film & TV, Digital Arts, Theatre, Fine Arts

Website: wits.ac.za/

7. Del-York Creative Academy – Nigeria

Partnered with New York Film Academy, Del-York bridges Nollywood and Hollywood-style training.

Strengths:
Directing, Acting, Producing, VFX, Animation, Digital Marketing

Website: delyorkcreative.academy

8. Kwetu Film Institute – Rwanda

A fast-rising film school in East Africa, known for grassroots storytelling and national cinema development.

Programs:
Directing, Scriptwriting, Cinematography, Editing

Website: Kwetu Film Institute

9. PEFTI Film Institute – Nigeria

Founded by veteran producer Wale Adenuga, PEFTI emphasizes performance and production skills.

Diplomas in:
Acting, Film Production, Writing, Music Production

Website: pefti.tv

10. African Digital Media Institute (ADMI) – Nairobi, Kenya

A leading digital media institution with strong links to animation, sound, and tech-driven storytelling.

Courses:
Film & TV, Animation, Sound Engineering, Digital Marketing

Website: admi.ac.ke

11. Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts – Nigeria

Founded by Nollywood icons Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva, LAPA focuses on performance and storytelling.

Programs:
Acting, Directing, Scriptwriting, Cinematography

Website: lufodo.com

Overall Conclusion: The Future of Film Education in Africa (2025–Beyond)

Africa’s film industry is no longer emerging, it is arriving.

From Nairobi, Kenya, now a major East African creative hub, to Lagos, Johannesburg, Kigali, Marrakech, and Ouagadougou, film schools are shaping a new generation of African storytellers ready for global platforms.

Among them all, Spectrum Film School stands out in 2025 as the most practical, accessible, and industry-aligned film school in Africa, particularly for students seeking hands-on film production training in Nairobi, Kenya, and East Africa.

If you’re looking to study film production in Africa, Spectrum Film School should be your first stop.