Variety ranks UNCSA School of Filmmaking among top film programs in North America

The School of Filmmaking at UNCSA has been recognized by Variety in its annual list of the top film schools in North America for the 10th consecutive year.

The widely read industry publication, which this year focused on institutions that “excel at preparing students for showbiz jobs,” noted how UNCSA “continues to adapt to a rapidly changing cultural and economic landscape with curriculum that spans a virtually unlimited spectrum of media.”

The article cites the Film school’s ability to prepare students for a variety of careers, quoting Dean Deborah LaVine, who said: “…hybridity is a catchword for us…. What we’re teaching are evergreen, transferable skills — communication, critical thinking, the ability to coalesce your ideas — that can be used in a lot of ways.”

Each year, Variety curates the list of top film school programs and this year notes that “…the schools on this list collectively offer an impressive array of educators, facilities and lessons to be learned. Countless alumni from these programs have become legendary names in the industry, creating award-winning films and television series, and often give back to the institutions that fostered their talent.”

“Being named among the top film programs by Variety reflects the extraordinary vision and drive of our students, faculty and alumni,” said Dean LaVine. “At UNCSA, we foster a culture where storytelling is both fearless and deeply rooted in artistic integrity. Our students are not just learning the craft — they're rewriting the language of cinema for a new era. This honor reinforces our role as a launchpad for original voices who will challenge conventions and redefine what’s possible in film.”

UNCSA will present over a dozen films and series by graduating seniors in free screenings next month both in person and virtually. The films will be available on demand from May 16, 7 p.m. - May 18, 11:59 p.m. Register for free access at www.uncsa.edu/performances.

About the School of Filmmaking

Consistently recognized as among the nation’s best training programs for filmmakers, the School of Filmmaking at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts has produced some of today’s most creative storytellers, including Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Brett Haley, Rebecca Green, Jody Hill, Jeff Nichols, Craig Zobel, Vera Herbert, Martha Stephens, Aaron Katz and Zoë White, among many others. Led by independent filmmaker and educator Deborah LaVine, the award-winning faculty in the School of Filmmaking have decades of real-world experience and a passion for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in concentrations that include animation, cinematography, directing, picture editing and sound design, producing, production design and visual effects, and screenwriting. 

About Variety

A weekly entertainment trade magazine and website, Variety has been recognized and respected throughout the world of show business as the premier source of entertainment news since 1905. It has an estimated 4 million followers on social media and 17 million unique monthly visitors to its website.

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