Digital Film Academy is a small, private film school in Manhattan that teaches hands-on filmmaking in short, intensive programmes. Students learn directing, cinematography, editing and producing by making their own films. It's a practical option if you want to build a reel quickly rather than earn a traditional degree.
New York City, United States
Official website: digitalfilmacademy.edu
Manhattan, New York City
Intensive, hands-on certificate programmes
Filmmaking, editing and cinematography
$18,000 – $32,000
International students, certificate programmes
$22,000 – $28,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on digitalfilmacademy.edu before you apply.
One-Year Filmmaking Program
DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Digital Filmmaking Certificate
DiplomaDuration
6 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Post-Production and Editing Certificate
DiplomaDuration
6 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Cinematography Certificate
DiplomaDuration
6 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Students shoot their own films from the first weeks.
Small classes taught by working filmmakers.
New York's production scene all around.
Graduates work as editors, camera assistants and independent filmmakers.
A finished reel matters more than the credential in this industry.
Check which visa type your programme uses and what work it allows.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The school works out of a studio space in Manhattan with editing suites and equipment rooms.
New York is expensive but full of film sets, festivals and screenings. Most students share apartments in the outer boroughs.
Form I-20 issued by Digital Film Academy
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Digital Film Academy enrols on a rolling basis. Apply three to four months before the start so there's time for the visa.
Programmes start several times a year, usually around January, April and September.
International students need a US student visa, usually arranged with an I-20 from the school. Confirm the visa type for your programme with admissions, since vocational courses may use an M-1 rather than an F-1.
The one-year filmmaking programme and certificates in digital filmmaking, editing and cinematography are the main options. Entry is by interview, and some programmes ask for a short sample of work.
Ask admissions about payment plans; scholarships are limited.
