Film Directing
LEARN ABOUT THE COURSE
Reach the pinnacle of cinematic craft with our BA Film Directing course at the Warsaw Film School! Dive into the heart of storytelling and master the art of bringing characters to life, writing compelling narratives and orchestrating breathtaking scenes. Our Film Directing program offers a unique blend of academic theory and practical skills, providing you with comprehensive knowledge essential for succeeding in the competitive film industry. From script to screen, this comprehensive curriculum covers every aspect of filmmaking, including directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, lighting, and musical composition. Immerse yourself in the language of film and unlock your creative potential in a dynamic academic environment.
ENROLLMENT for Academic Year 2025/2026 STARTS IN FEBRUARY
ABOUT WARSAW FILM SCHOOL
The academy is a unique film institution, one of the fastest growing film academies in Europe. We employ a highly qualified, professionally active teaching staff of Polish and international filmmakers and film scholars. With nearly 20 years of experience, Warsaw Film school produces over 200 student films every year that are getting international recognition and awards at many film festivals around the globe. Over the course of past 10 years our School has received two Academy® nominations (in 2015 for "Our Curse", dir. Tomasz Śliwiński, in 2022 for "The Dress", dir. Tadeusz Łysiak). Our campus is based in the capital of Poland and perfectly connected with the city center. It offers space for film and photography shoots, post-production facilities, game development studio and a high-end sound studio. Warsaw Film School also has its very own art-house cinema called Kino Elektronik right on campus.
BENEFITS:
- You will earn a BA diploma. As a film directing graduate, you will be given a strong and extensive basis to start career in the film industry.
-
You will comprehensively develop your skills. Our dynamic curriculum offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, honing your directing skills to perfection and preparing you for the multifaceted challenges of the filmmaking world.
- You will be guided by the film industry experts. Learn from experienced professionals who will share their insider tips and industry secrets, empowering you to craft compelling storylines, orchestrate captivating scenes, and bring characters to life with finesse and flair.
- You will learn how to distinguish yourself with your vision from the others. Thanks to practicing in the conditions of a professional film set, starting at your freshman year, you will quickly master the art of visual storytelling and innovative filmmaking techniques, ensuring your projects stand out in the crowded market.
- The best students' films will reach a wide audience while you are still studying. From the very first moment you will have the support of our professional PR-team that will help your films compete at festivals around the world!
- You will expand your network. You will engage with fellow filmmakers by fostering a supportive community where you can exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build lasting connections that will propel your career forward in the industry.
MEET THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS!
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
-
For aspiring filmmakers. Our BA Film Directing course is tailor-made for individuals with a passion for storytelling and a desire to bring their cinematic visions to the big screen.
-
For creative visionaries. It's the ideal choice for those who possess a keen eye for detail, a knack for visual storytelling, and a drive to innovate in the ever-evolving world of filmmaking.
-
For directors wanting to enhance their skills. Acquire fresh expertise in a fast-paced and competitive sector, elevating your projects to the forefront with a blend of advanced technical prowess and artistic finesse.
-
For artistic storytellers. Our course appeals to individuals who are driven by an urge to explore the nuances of character development, narrative structure, and cinematic expression.
-
For industry enthusiasts. Geared towards individuals passionate about the film industry, eager to acquire the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to carve out a successful career path as a director.
-
For collaborative creators. It's perfect for those who thrive in collaborative environments, where they can exchange ideas, collaborate with fellow filmmakers, and make their collective visions come true.
CHECK OUT THE TRAILERS OF OUR STUDENTS' FILMS!
SYLLABUS
|
|
MEET THE LECTURERS:
|
PhD MACIEJ ŚLESICKI director, screenwriter, producer
Director, screenwriter and two-time Academy Award® nominee film producer. The founder and Chancellor of the Warsaw Film School. His films include: "Trzy minuty. 21:37" ("Three minutes. 21:37"), "Tato" ("Daddy"), "Sara" and "Show". He also created the TV series "13 Posterunek" ("Station 13"). He graduated from the Department of Radio and Television at the Silesian University. He was awarded with Golden Duck Award for the year 1995 and won a prize for directing at the Polish Films Festival in Gdynia for his film "Tato" ("Daddy"). In 1997 he received distributors acclaim for the box office success of his film "Sara". He also produced the multiply awarded film "Rezerwat" ("Reservation"). He is the initiator of many actions supporting film debuts, and the chief of Paisa Films film studio. He has been the producer for countless student films, including "Nasza Klątwa" ("Our Curse") and "Sukienka" ("The Dress") critically acclaimed shorts nominated for the Academy Awards. |
|
|
JAROSŁAW KUPŚĆ director, screenwriter
He received his education in cinema from San Francisco State University. He wrote and directed five feature-length narrative films, winning multiple awards at international film festivals. His book, "The History of Cinema For Beginners", remains a recommended reading in numerous film schools around the world. In addition to screenwriting and directing, Jarek is also an editor and cinematographer. For many years, he worked as a storyboard artist in New York and Los Angeles. Parallel to his film work, Jarek is an accomplished painter, graphic artist, and photographer. |
|
|
MAREK BRODZKI film director
Director and creative producer of multiple productions, e.g. feature film and the series "The Witcher", series "Miasteczko" (TVN) and "Szpilki na Giewoncie" (Polsat). 2nd director collaborating with Steven Spielberg ("Schindler's List", 1993), Roman Polański ("The Pianist", 2002), Andrzej Wajda and Volker Schloendorff. He also worked with the German TV ZDF as the director of ZDF documentaries. The film "Drama Dresden" with his participation as 2 AD received an International Emmy Award in 2005. |
|
|
TADEUSZ ŁYSIAK director, screenwriter
Member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, graduate of Cultural Studies at the University of Warsaw and Directing at the Warsaw Film School. Creator of two award-winning short films in Poland and abroad: "Techno" (starring Leszek Abrahamowicz, Danuta Stenka, Michalina Olszańska) and Oscar-nominated "The Dress" (Anna Dzieduszycka, Dorota Pomykała, Szymon Piotr Warszawski). Participant of the prestigious program FUTURE FRAMES – Generation NEXT of European Cinema within Eastern Promises at the Karlovy Vary Festival. Winner of the "Discovering Eye" award for young talented filmmaker at the Polish Film Festival in Chicago. |
|
|
ARTUR ZABORSKI cultural journalist, creative director
Creative director of Script Fiesta, the biggest screenwriters' film festival in Europe, and a cultural journalist. He writes for Polish, American, Canadian and Swedish media covering the most important film festivals all around the globe and conducting interviews with the most prominent people from cinema world. In 2022 he received a Sundance Institute scholarship for journalists dealing with minority issues. In 2023 he was awarded the best film critic by Polish Film Institute. |
|
|
TOMASZ ŚLIWIŃSKI director, screenwriter
His short documentary film "Our Curse" (2013) has garnered numerous awards at film festivals worldwide, received a nomination for the International Documentary Association (IDA) Award, and was nominated for an Oscar in 2015. A graduate of film directing at the Warsaw Film School, he completed the Feature Program at the Wajda School. A recipient of the Scholarship Program of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage "Young Poland" (2015) and the Warsaw City Scholarship (2019). A member of the Guild of Polish Documentary Directors. Vice President of the Polish CCHS Foundation "Lift the Curse," honored with the EURORDIS Black Pearl Award in 2020. Curator of the musical project "Ondinata. Songs for Ondine." |
|
|
JOANNA KOS-KRAUZE director, screenwriter
Born in 1972 in Olsztyn, the director, screenwriter and producer; co-author of award-winning films such as "Papusza", "Saviour Square", and "My Nikifor". She served as the Chair of the Polish Directors' Guild from 2013 to 2018. From 2006 to 2013, she was the Chair of the Screenwriters' Section at the Polish Filmmakers Association, a member of the Artistic Council of the Andrzej Munk Film Studio, as well as the European and Polish Film Academies. She is an expert for the Polish Film Institute, Silesia Film Fund, Gdynia Film Fund, and Euroimage in Strasbourg. Her film "Birds Are Singing in Kigali" addressing the topic of genocide in Rwanda, has received numerous awards at festivals worldwide, including Karlovy Vary (Best Actress Award – Jowita Budnik and Eliane Umuhire), Chicago (Best Director Award, Best Actress Award – Jowita Budnik and Eliane Umuhire), Locarno (First Look Award), Luxembourg (Grand Prix), Kolkata, Istanbul, Crimea, Gdynia 2017 (Silver Lions Award, Best Leading Actress Award for Jowita Budnik and Eliane Umuhire), and an award for editing. She was nominated for the title of "WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2007" in the "Gazeta Wyborcza" plebiscite. She is also the author of books: "Mój Nikifor", "Plac Zbawiciela", and "Jest życie po końcu świata". |
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FACULTY
ECTS
In accordance with the ECTS regulations student earns 60 credits for successful completion of a full-time academic year and 30 credits for a passed semester. Students are obliged to be awarded 180 credits in the First Cycle of studies.
FEES
Application fee: 30 EUR
Enrollment fee: 1000 EUR
Tuition fee: 6600 EUR per academic year (or 2 installments: 3550 EUR)
SCHOLARSHIPS
Our second and third-year students will have an opportunity to apply for the Chancellor’s Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded foracademic achievements, involvement in school activities, creativity and leadership.
Scholarships are renewed each semester.
or learn more about recruitment process - CLICK
|
Any questions? Contact us!
📞 +48 887 555 026
Aleksandra Toruński, International Studies & Erasmus+ Coordinator
|
or use the ⬇️form below⬇️