I came to Rome International Film School (RIFS) right after graduating from university knowing that I wanted to get into film but not quite sure where to begin. Today, I look back with immense gratitude on my decision to do so. RIFS provides you with the freedom to make the short films that you want to. In fact, you get to make TWO of them in just ONE year. The faculty is kind, caring, and invested in bringing your creative visions to life. Once you complete the one-year film program, you have a portfolio that will open doors wherever you continue to pursue your filmmaking career. To have this kind of creative freedom at the beginning of your path as a director/writer is unheard of!

RIFS is not like other film schools – its courses are not based so much on theory, but much more on practical collaboration, on working together as a team on a set and really making stuff happen. In this sense, RIFS is what you make of it – and if you do put a lot in, you will certainly get a lot out of the experience in return. Carl Haber, Andrea Guarnieri, Chiara Grizotti, Italo Pesce Delfino, Valerio De Bernardis and other faculty staff have years upon years of invaluable experience in the Italian and international film industries, and are very generous in helping students take the first steps towards a career in cinema.

RIFS is a one-of-a-kind school. It creates a special place for aspiring filmmakers to learn, practice and create with one another. I was a student of the 10-week program and, despite the program’s relatively short run, I was able to write and direct a short film with the guidance of the school director, Carl Haber, and the extraordinary support of faculty member Andrea Guarnieri. I was also given the opportunity to participate on other students’ short films as part of their crew. Highly recommended.

I recently participated in their 10 – Week Program and I could not recommend it enough! This was the first time that I found a comprehensive film program with well qualified faculty and a cooperative environment. Even though this program was only ten weeks long, I learned more about all of the different aspects of filmmaking than in any other film course I have taken. Such an amazing group of students and faculty, thank you R.I.F.S for providing me with such an amazing opportunity!

Rome International Film School was life-changing for me. I not only learned every aspect of the film making process, but I created strong bonds with classmates and faculty from all over the world. Exposure to these other perspectives on film, art, and culture has enriched my storytelling abilities and deepened my understanding of humanity. Furthermore, we students had round the clock access to top-tier camera and sound equipment, which created the atmosphere of a professional production house. Teachers were attentive and gave expert feedback based on their years of filmmaking experience. I can’t recommend RIFS more highly.