New York Film Academy: Imparting the art of visual storytelling

A global institution that fosters creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning in film, media and performing arts.

For over three decades, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) has set itself apart as a premier institution for film, media and performing arts education. Offering a wide array of programs—from short-term workshops to full Master of Fine Arts degrees—NYFA empowers students through hands-on learning, giving them the tools to create from day one.

“We’re a college teaching everything related to filmmaking and similar fields—from acting and screenwriting to animation, game design and musical theater. The common thread is visual storytelling, and our goal is to help students find and develop their unique voices,” says Michael Young, president and CEO of New York Film Academy.

With campuses in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Florence (Italy) and the Gold Coast (Australia), as well as locations at Harvard University, Paris and Beijing, New York Film Academy attracts students from all over the world. As a result, the academy sees the incredible power of collaborations between people of different cultures, backgrounds and languages, and those experiences lead to lifelong bonds. NYFA graduates often work together on future productions, with the connections made lasting a lifetime.

NYFA’s success lies in its learning-by-doing approach. From the first day, students are handed the tools of their craft and taught by professionals who are active in the industry. Its faculty includes award-winning industry professionals who continue to work in their areas of expertise —people who know what it takes to succeed. As such, students learn the latest industry practices and how to apply them immediately. NYFA offers degrees and programs in filmmaking, acting for film, cinematography, producing, screenwriting, photography, documentary filmmaking, digital editing, game design, animation, journalism, musical theatre and entertainment media.

NYFA has also embraced new technology. It was at the forefront of the transition from film to digital, and now, it is incorporating AI and other cutting-edge tools into the curriculum. However, the heart of NYFA’s teaching focus remains the same—how to tell a compelling story and how to collaborate with others to make it a reality.

As NYFA continues to grow, it remains committed to its mission of providing access to creative education, helping aspiring artists turn their dreams into reality at whatever stage they are in their lives.

“We are bringing this art form and learning approach to people around the world, from young people to those seeking a second career. They need all the support they can get from everyone, as art plays an essential role in society,” says Young, who has worked as a cinematographer for the documentary “Comrades” and as an executive producer for the documentary “Turn Every Page” by Sony Pictures Classics.

Learn more about Recovery International at nyfa.edu.