Filmmaking Bachelor's Program in Paris and Cannes
by: ESRA
The ESRA International Filmmaking Bachelor's is a three-year program taught in English in Paris and Cannes, designed for students passionate about storytelling and cinema. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, and editing—blending theoretical instruction with hands-on workshops and numerous short film productions. Students work in professional conditions with industry-standard equipment and are mentored by experienced faculty and working professionals. The program also includes film analysis, history, and collaborative projects to develop both creative and technical skills. Upon completion, students earn a degree recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, preparing them for careers in the film and television industries or further study in graduate programs.
The ESRA International Filmmaking Bachelor's is a three-year program taught in English in Paris and Cannes, designed for students passionate about storytelling and cinema. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, and editing—blending theoretical instruction with hands-on workshops and numerous short film productions. Students work in professional conditions with industry-standard equipment and are mentored by experienced faculty and working professionals. The program also includes film analysis, history, and collaborative projects to develop both creative and technical skills. Upon completion, students earn a degree recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, preparing them for careers in the film and television industries or further study in graduate programs.
Program Highlights
Work on two main productions each year, including a short film.
Join a network of 15,000 alumni in the industry.
Obtain an internationally recognized degree upon successful completion.
Study in a campus combining film, sound, and 3D animation schools.
Attend masterclasses with world-famous professionals.
Quick Details
- Cannes, France
- Paris, France
- Undergraduate
- Art & Fine Arts
- Arts
- Film
- Filmmaking
- All Nationalities
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Great experience
February 19, 2026by: Zibo Zhang - ChinaAs a student, I think ESRA is a great school that combines both practical experience and theoretical knowledge. The three year filmmaking program is very comprehensive and really helps students explore and discover the areas of filmmaking they are most interested in.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Cannes, France
- Paris, France
Types and Subjects
- Degree Levels
- Undergraduate
- Subjects & Courses
- Art & Fine Arts
- Arts
- Film
- Filmmaking
Availability
Years Offered: 2026
Age Requirement
18-30
Guidelines
All Nationalities
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Job Search Support
Accommodation Options
- Apartment/Flat
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- In-Person Interview Required
- Written Application
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ESRA degrees recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education?
Yes, all the initial Programs offered by ESRA are recognized by the French Ministry of Education and Research at the following levels:
Bachelor (Bac+3) level for ESRA Filmmaking, ESRA Sound, and ESRA Animation
Postgraduate (Bac+5) level for the MFA Filmmaking, DHEC Screenwriting & Directing, and DHEC Production
This diploma is equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
How do I join ESRA?
You must apply on our online platform, fill in the required information, choose your exam date, and take the tests.
Admissions committees meet every month. If you are accepted, you can pre-register as early as November.
How much does it cost to study at ESRA?
Prices for each course are given in the brochures.
ESRA grants over 100,000 euros in scholarships and welcomes over 25% of scholarship holders each year. Students are also eligible for CROUS grants, as the degree is recognized by the French government, and for housing subsidies.
What equipment is available at ESRA?
Each ESRA campus offers:
- Post-production and multi-station rooms equipped with powerful computers and the latest software (for film, sound, animation)
- Equipment room with a range of cameras, from HD Nikon and Canon to Sony FS7 and F55
Each school has an ARRI ALEXA 35 camera with numerous accessories, monitors, and related equipment, plus microphones, recorders, plug-ins, and laptops available to students.
This is one of the school's strong points.
Who are ESRA Alumni?
Over 15,000 audiovisual professionals have graduated from ESRA since its creation in 1972.
Our alumni page features some of our most memorable achievements, including:
- 47 César nominations
- An Oscar win
- 2 Grammy Awards
- Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival selections
- Song production for Daft Punk, Beyonce, A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, Big Flo & Oli and Orelsan
- VFX & animation on some of the world's biggest films
- Professional & public accolades
Ready to Learn More?
The ESRA International Filmmaking Bachelor's is a three-year program taught in English in Paris and Cannes, designed for students passionate about storytelling and cinema. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, and editing—blending theoretical instruction with hands-on workshops and numerous short film productions. Students work in professional conditions with industry-standard equipment and are mentored by experienced faculty and working professionals. The program also includes film analysis, history, and collaborative projects to develop both creative and technical skills. Upon completion, students earn a degree recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, preparing them for careers in the film and television industries ...
ESRA
ESRA
Ready to Learn More?
The ESRA International Filmmaking Bachelor's is a three-year program taught in English in Paris and Cannes, designed for students passionate about storytelling and cinema. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, and editing—blending theoretical instruction with hands-on workshops and numerous short film productions. Students work in professional conditions with industry-standard equipment and are mentored by experienced faculty and working professionals. The program also includes film analysis, history, and collaborative projects to develop both creative and technical skills. Upon completion, students earn a degree recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, preparing them for careers in the film and television industries ...
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