Choosing a film school is a bit like picking the perfect movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon: there are too many options, and you don’t know where to start! In 2025, Figaro Étudiant decided to sift through this jungle with its very first ranking of film and audiovisual schools in France. On the agenda, 24 establishments rigorously evaluated to help you find the training that will suit you best. A brief overview of the best options available in the territory, the training courses, the accreditations, and all the trimmings that will allow you to embark on this beautiful cinematic adventure. In this article, we will cover the schools you can’t miss, the excellent programs, and the evaluation methods used to arrive at this famous ranking. Curious to know more? Let’s go!
Ranking of the best film schools in France in 2025
Film and audiovisual schools in France are a real reservoir of talent! To highlight all of this, Figaro Étudiant has concocted a ranking that lists the best schools, whether public or private. This is something to take seriously, especially when we know that the cinema sector is undergoing a major transformation and constant evolution.
With over 380 courses on Parcoursup and hundreds more outside the framework, it’s not just about choosing a school at random. In this ranking, the evaluated schools must have a minimum Bac +3 level. It’s starting to clarify, isn’t it? To give you an idea of the heavyweights in the field, here are some schools that stand out:
- 🎬 La Fémis
- 🎬 CinéFabrique
- 🎬 EICAR
- 🎬 festival-animation-catalan
- 🎬 CLCF
These establishments are not only renowned for their theoretical teaching but also for their collaborations with industry professionals, which is a major asset in the competitive world of cinema. Depending on your ambitions – whether in directing, production, or even in the field of animation – each school has specific programs tailored to market needs.
| School | Type | Accreditation | Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Fémis | Public | Master | Directing, Production |
| CinéFabrique | Private | License | Documentary, Fiction |
| EICAR | Private | License, Master | Shooting Techniques, Sound |
| Gobelins | Public | License | Animation |
| ESRA | Private | License | Production, Post-production |
An essential point addressed in this list concerns accreditations. These documents are indicators of the quality and recognition of the diplomas awarded. Indeed, students love to know that their precious diploma will have value in the market, don’t they? To evaluate the schools, the Figaro editorial team cross-referenced professional integration data from LinkedIn to see if graduates actually find employment. And that’s crucial information for making an informed choice.
The evaluation criteria for schools according to Figaro Étudiant
Understanding the criteria that determine the quality of a film school is fundamental before committing. Figaro Étudiant has established a rigorous methodology to evaluate these institutions. They first considered accreditation, because, let’s be honest, a recognized diploma means a lot in the film world. It gives you a certain legitimacy! In 2025, two types of accreditations were mainly analyzed: licenses and masters, as well as certifications like the RNCP, which attests to the value of a training program.
Next, professional integration was scrutinized in all its aspects. The numbers speak for themselves, don’t they? The data retrieved from LinkedIn allows us to see when former students find work in the sector, and within less than six months after graduation. Useful for prospective students! Here’s a list of essential questions you should ask yourself before choosing your school:
- 📅 What is the professional integration rate of former students?
- 🧑🏫 Who are the teachers and what are their experiences?
- 📖 What types of projects are completed as part of the training?
- 🏆 Does the school have partnerships with companies in the industry?
- 🌐 Is the training recognized internationally?
| Evaluation Criteria | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | Official recognition of the training | Essential for the legitimacy of the diploma |
| Integration rate | Percentage of former students finding employment | Indicator of the quality and effectiveness of the training |
| Projects completed | Practical work done during the training | Strengthens students’ concrete skills |
| Partnerships | Links with companies in the industry | Opens up internship and job opportunities |
| International | Recognition and opportunities abroad | Increases employment chances internationally |
In summary, these criteria are not just there to look good. A school that adheres to these standards will be able to guarantee you a serious and appropriate training. So, ready to take the plunge? Don’t hesitate to take your time to make your choice and ask all the questions that are on your mind.
Focus on four outstanding schools
In this diverse landscape, a few schools stand out clearly. We find institutions like La Fémis, CinéFabrique, ESRA, and EICAR that feature with their iconic programs. Here’s an overview of what makes them so special.
La Fémis: Excellence in the French way
La Fémis, located in Paris, is often considered the cream of the crop among film schools. Its academic approach combined with practical workshops allows students to develop sharp skills in directing, screenwriting, and production. Each student goes through intensive projects that amplify their creativity while offering them a solid network in the sector. Additionally, they have an excellent integration rate of over 80% after graduation! 🌟
CinéFabrique: The breeding ground for new talent
CinéFabrique focuses just as much on theory as on practice. Located in Lyon, this school takes pride in training directors and screenwriters capable of telling captivating stories. By joining this school, you will be able to participate in festivals and showcase your work on professional filming platforms. Who knows, you might be the next great French director! 🎥
ESRA: A strong network
A rising figure, ESRA stands out for its reputation in visual communication. With training in production, post-production, and special effects, this school trains professionals who will revolutionize the sector. Their numerous partnerships with leading companies like France Télévisions and certain production companies are real assets. So, if you are tempted by the adventure, go for it! 🚀
EICAR: Practice and innovation
Finally, EICAR in Paris emphasizes innovation and new technologies. What is exciting here is the quality of their equipment and their strategy fully geared towards the future. They offer training in audiovisual fields particularly focused on digital, virtual reality, and new media. The statue of cinema is fine, but don’t forget that the future is already here! ⚡
Training for future professions: which path to choose?
Cinema is a bit like a good film: it requires actors, technicians, screenwriters, producers… and many others! Thus, film schools offer you various training courses ranging from technical professions to creative positions. Whether you are fascinated by directing, production, or cinematography, it is essential to choose your path wisely. In 2025, the job market for audiovisual professions is very promising, with growing needs in the field.
Below, a quick overview of the different training courses available today:
- 🎬 Directing: Refining skills in editing, framing, and staging.
- 🎬 Production: Understanding the inner workings and logistics management of films.
- 🎬 Screenwriting: Learning to create stories that resonate with the audience.
- 🎬 Post-production: Video editing techniques and special effects.
- 🎬 Animation: Learning software and techniques for 2D/3D animation.
| Profession | Training | Recommended Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Directing | License, Master | La Fémis, EICAR |
| Production | License, Master | ESRA, CinéFabrique |
| Screenwriting | License | Gobelins |
| Post-production | License, Continuing Education | INA Sup |
| Animation | License | Gobelins, LISAA |
Choosing the right training can really make a difference in your career. So, do not hesitate to fully immerse yourself in your research. Participating in open house days and discussing with current students can help you get a clearer idea of what to expect.
FAQ on film schools in France
- What are the best-ranked film schools in 2025? Schools such as La Fémis, CinéFabrique, EICAR, and ESRA are distinguished according to the Figaro Étudiant ranking.
- How to evaluate the seriousness of a school? Look at the accreditations, the professional integration rate, and feedback from former students.
- What training is available? Training includes directing, production, editing, and many other specialties.
- Are the trainings recognized internationally? Yes, several schools have partnerships or recognitions internationally.
- What professions are accessible after these trainings? Graduates can become directors, producers, animators, etc.
In summary, the field of cinema in France is in full swing, and future generations of filmmakers are taking the reins with passion and creativity. Choosing the right school and training is a bit like choosing a good plot: it takes time, research, and a good dose of passion. So don’t wait any longer and explore all the options available to you in this wonderful world of the seventh art!
