THERE IS A FILM SCHOOL NEARBY, ENROL TODAY
Compiled by Dauda Bushirat Adetutu
For Nollywood to meet up with the global standard, it requires some forms of capacity building from script to screen. Churning out movies that transcend borders and generations would need more than passion but formal education, especially hands-on in new technology. Be it a screenwriter, director, producer, actor, distributor or film journalist, every personnel in the value-chain needs formal training and retraining.
There are lots of local and informal training platforms that have become caucuses. All these platforms attract patrons because of the popularities of the actor owners. The practices of the these caucuses turned training schools are not only antilearning, they can also not stand the test of time.
For aspiring students who want to follow a career path in film, we have compiled government recognized and National Board For Technical Education (NBTE) approved film schools for you. Most of these schools which are either monotechnic or NID awarding Institutions also offer scholarship and mentorship from industry professionals.
In this compilation, below are the list of some best film schools available in Nigeria where great talents are been produced over the years
NATIONAL FILM INSTITUTE
The National Film Institute was established in accordance with the provision of the National Film Policy 1992 and Decree No. 61 of 1979 setting up the Nigerian Film Corporation. This film school is located in Jos, Plateau State. The Institute is designed and equipped to provide training of the highly specialized manpower needs of the film industry. The choice of Jos was based on its friendly weather and the abundance of beautiful scenery for film shooting locations.
The National Film Institute, Jos, the only of its kind in the country, is accredited by CILECT (Centre International de Liaison des Ecoles de Cinema de Television) in Brussels. This is the academic body that accredits all film institutions. It is also a member of the Executive Council of CILECTs’ African Regional Association (CARA) of film schools in Africa.
NFI is presently affiliated to the Department of Theatre and Film Arts of the University of Jos, and it is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Their objective is training and retraining of new entrants into the industry as well as professionals and related activities in the industry; conduct research in all areas of the industry; and Updating the skills and professional expertise in the industry for optimal performance and in line with international standards.
NFI offers Bachelor of Film Arts, Diploma in Film Arts, Certificate Programs, Outreach Programs in the following courses: Cinematography, Film Editing, Screenwriting, Digital Still Photography, Acting, Directing, Animation, Costume make up and special effect. The Outreach Programme is usually organized for willing institutions and corporate organizations on demand.
Watch Route 59 on YouTube. It is a 300 level production workshop short film from the National Film Institute. Subscribe to our channel: NFI TV Click on the link to watch
MAINFRAME FILM AND MEDIA INSTITUTE
This prestigious institute was founded by a Veteran Nigerian Filmmaker and Africa’s most researched Director, Tunde Kelani. He launched the Mainframe Film and Media Institute to serve the following purposes: to promote our rich cultural heritage and moral values both within the country and the outside world at large; to improve the standard of film production in Nigeria and; to give technical support to other production houses both within and outside Nigeria.
The courses offered include Digital Photography and Cinematography, Post Production and Digital Imaging, Acting, and The Art of Directing.
LUFODO ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS (LAPA)
This film school was founded by Nollywood veterans Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs. LUFODO was accredited by the National Board of Technical Education of Nigeria. This academy is located at Lekki Pennisula, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. LUFODO is a performing Arts School that gives world-class, hands-on training in acting and performing arts disciplines.
They offer Diploma and certificate courses in dance, stage management, improvisation, script analysis, on camera techniques, vocal production, vocal and speech, stage and street make up, audience technique and acting.
The Performing School commenced operations in 2009 with a pilot scheme of intensive short courses ran over a six-month period. Now, after considerable development, and with formal accreditation by the National Board of Technical Education of Nigeria (NBTE), they proudly offer a full time, 2-Year conservatory programme at the end of which graduating students will be awarded a National Innovative Diploma in Performing and Media Arts.
Lufodo Academic Performing Art rigorous practice-based curriculum is geared towards producing accomplished creative professionals who will raise the standard of stage, TV and Film production in Nigeria. Alumni from school are Abiodun Kassim and Omoye Uzamere who have seen featured in many movies in Nigeria.
DEL YORK CREATIVE ACADEMY
The Del-York Academy is one of the best film schools in Nigeria which was established by Linus Idahosa and Stephanie Okereke Linuaa. The school film was previously located in Lagos, but now located in Abuja. Del York works in partnership with New York film Academy, and they provide a great training for students and have a good instructors from Hollywood.
Del-York offeres the following programme, which are digital film making, acting for film, fashion art and craft, sound design, digital photography, directing, screenwriting for film and TV, broadcast journalism, music video production, graphics, documentary film making, special effects and other programmes.
Del York Academy empowers a generation of exceptional talents that will advance Africa forward through film, media and technology Innovation. The Academy also have a good products such as Adeyemi Okanlawon, Valentine Ohu, and Eric Aghimen.
PEFTI FILM INSTITUTE
PEFTI Film Institute was established by Wale Adenuga Production in 2004, and it is said to be the foremost private film and television production company, to create opportunities for all students and professional training in all their diverse disciplines.
PEFTI Institute is vastly accessible to those at the grass root and the top executives, providing enhanced qualitative training that transcends all barriers. One of their significant objectives is to collaborate with similar institutions and relevant agencies within and outside Nigeria, towards creating virile Film, Television, and Music industries.
PEFTI Film Institute offers two-year National Diplomas in Film and Television Production, Performing and Media Arts, and Music Technology; as well as Three and Six-Month Practical Professional Training in Script Writing, Acting and Presentation, Digital Photography, Cinematography, Music, Music Studio Production, Make-Up, Directing, and Editing; and a one week course in Bead Making. with two campuses located at Joy Avenue, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos State, and Oyo Road, Old Mokola, Ibadan North, Oyo State.
Kelechi Udegbe, Bolanle Ninalowo, Rotimi Salami and Mr Macaroni etc are products of this prestigious film institute.
AI MULTIMEDIA ACADEMY
Ai Multimedia Academy provides technical training in graphic design, animations, cinematography, computer aided design (CAD), digital editing, video editing, audio editing, motion graphics, visual effects (VFX), photography, video production, web design, web and mobile applications development and digital literacy/skill in Nigeria. The school is located at Ijaiye Road,Ogba, Lagos, Nigeria.
This academy provides blended learning model i.e., classroom and free online training to students and each course will lead them towards a specific career path and skill certifications.
Ai Multimedia Academy offered the following courses such as Graphic Design and Publishing, 3D Animations, Cinematography, Video and Audio Editing, Digital Marketing, Motion Graphics and Visual Effects, Web Design, Web Development and Programming, Digital Publishing and Interactive Multimedia Design, Digital Literacy and Office Applications, Architectural and Interior Design, and; Video Production and Live Streaming.
MAGNUS FILM ACADEMY
Magnus Film Academy is one of the best film school in Nigeria which is located in Enugu state. many aspiring actors and actresses got their skills, and are transformed into movie acting professionals. Magnus film revolves around craft and digitalization, combining experienced and internationally renowned professionals and practical learning experience.
Magnus Film Academy offers the following multimedia and film production courses. 2D/3D Animation and Special Effect, Acting, Cinematography (Photo + Video + Lighting), Computer Training and Graphics Design, Directing/Film making, Drone Piloting, Live Streaming of Event, Photography, Screen Writing, Video Editing, Videography.
THE ROYAL ART ACADEMY
The Royal Arts Academy, was established by a film maker and writer, Emem Isong in June 2010, the objectives of the school is to educate and equip students for the growing entertainment industry and life opportunities in Nigeria and Africa at large. The RAA is a film school located in Surulere, Lagos, and since its establishment, has trained well over 200 students, such as Theresa Edem, Ijeoma Agu, Lota Chukwu, Bunmi Ajakaiye, Etinosa Idemudia, May Owen, Debby Felix and Emem Ufot, and many more.
Products of The Royal Arts Academy are all doing well in Nollywood, using the experience and knowledge gained to expand the canvas of the Nigerian entertainment industry. RAAt offers courses which include Acting, Cinematography, Directing, Editing, and Screenwriting.
HIGH DEFINITION FILM ACADEMY
High Definition Film Academy is practically the same as Del York Creative and the film school is also based in Abuja. This academy offers short term, long term and weekend courses, as well as a wide range of programmes in different areas of filmmaking. These are the professional training, and courses offered in this Academy- Acting, Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Filmmaking, Screenwriting.
MOUNT ZION INSTITUTE OF CHRISTIAN DRAMA
The Mount Zion Institute of Christian Drama is a spiritual defense academy that unifies and spiritually empowers drama ministers in other nations , by helping the drama ministers, after training, to stay united informing an association with same visions and goals in their various churches and cities.
Over 3000 students have graduated from the Mount Zion Institute of Christian Drama courses held in Nigeria, London, Arlington, Dallas, Winnipeg. In Nigeria, the MZICD has impacted in the lives of many Drama Ministers, and the traces of its blessing can be found in many ministries and many churches.
Larger percentage of Christian movies makers and actors in Nigeria are alumni of Mount Zion Institute. The institute recorded a significant milestone in August 2020 when she affiliated with Ajayi Crowther University Oyo. This gave the institute the exceptional opportunity to offer Diploma and Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts Christian Drama.
The Institute is at Habitation of Faith (The Mount Zion Training and Retreat Centre), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Photograph Credit- Internet
