STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Participating in a summer film program with students from around the world creates a vibrant and eclectic environment that amplifies the creative experience. This global convergence of aspiring filmmakers brings together diverse cultural influences, storytelling traditions, and cinematic perspectives. Collaborating with peers from different corners of the globe not only broadens one's understanding of filmmaking but also cultivates a unique blend of creativity. The exchange of ideas, techniques, and cultural nuances adds depth to the learning process, offering participants a global lens through which to view and craft compelling narratives. Beyond the technical skills gained, the camaraderie formed during this journey creates lasting connections, fostering a network of passionate storytellers with a shared appreciation for the universal language of film.

PROGRAM REVIEWS

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

In attending the Filmmakers Week Seminar, I gained confidence. Going into the program, I was unsure of my ability and if the whole filmmaking thing was really for me. I doubted myself and questioned if I could even hang with the competition – If I was good enough to even attend.

Immediately after arriving, I was pleasantly surprised to be met with kindness and a warm welcome from all and every staff member at the program. Not too long after, I met the other students attending the program and made friends that I still speak with to this day. Whether it be a text or a call away, I know that I now have someone – who also is interested in film –  to talk about or look over something I’m working on. 

Besides making new friends and feeling welcome, the Filmmakers Week Seminar gave me the opportunity to get an understanding of the main pieces that are integral to making a film. During my time at Filmmakers Week, we had classes with a screenwriter, a producer, an editor, and a director, who broke down what exactly each job entails and a thorough explanation of what each job contributes to the creation of a film. As well as offering guidance and wisdom only gained by working in the film industry, the teachers at the program also gave each student a chance to experience what it’s like to work at each job. We pitched ideas and wrote, we talked over logistics and expenses, and ultimately, we ended up filming and editing our own short films. It was a lot of fun and by the end of the week, I felt very confident in the fact that I wanted to pursue a career in film. I wasn’t worried anymore because I knew I could do it and that it’s just a matter of how bad I want it, and after attending the Filmmakers Week Seminar, I want it bad. 

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

-- In the best way possible, the IFI one-week summer program felt like a preview into what studying film could be like. Inspirational seminars with industry professionals taught us the basics of a few core facets of film, and how to survive in an ever-changing film world. Most importantly, they focused on how to tell a story. A seemingly simple thing, when scaled up to TV or feature length, that can quickly become overwhelming. However, the professors guided us through the process, breaking down structure, devices, and style into digestible chunks to make a finished project feel within reach. At the end of the day, the program did what I asked for: it inspired me to go out and make movies. 

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Professors, Student Support, High level of 1-1 Interaction, Strong Curriculum

I am the father of a senior in high school who attended last summer's five week program. From start to finish, it was an amazing experience for my son. Over that period, he learned all of the disciplines, and in the first week came up with an idea and wrote a draft for his short film. At the end of the program, he had written, produced, and directed his own 7 minute film, and because he had learned all areas of filmmaking, he was a key contributor on the other students' films. And besides learning how to make a movie, it helped him acquire other skills, including how to be a great team player as well as honing his leadership skills. He had a lot of fun, but make no mistake, there was a lot of hard work and challenges along the way. Misael, the head of the program, is an amazing leader, coach, and mentor, and provided enormous support and guidance to all the students, and his team is exceptional as well. As much as I loved my son's film, it was the passion he showed and the confidence he gained that made the experience so special. I give this program my highest recommendation!

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

One of the best experiences with incredible teachers and people. I learned much more than I expected, the program is very complete. When I finished I felt the confidence to continue building my path in film. I fully recommend it

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Practical experience

•  Industry members

The summer intensive film program at Sarah Lawrence was fantastic. We were taught by industry professionals, whom had many years of experience. They gave insight that I learned a lot from. The access to equipment allowed me to learn gear I had not been exposed to before. I thought the ability to make our own film, with the guidance of a supervisor, was very important as it opened my eyes to what running a set is like. Overall a great program great for aspiring filmmakers.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Top ten months of my life

I experienced the most incredible summer at IFI, and I wish I could relive it every day! however, since I cannot , I make do by taking what I learned, and using it to fuel my passion for film. Having the IFI teachers as reliable contacts, and my new friends to share this experience with, I am anxious to see where each of us ends up as story tellers and filmmakers.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Great teachers

•  Great campus

•  Superb experience

•  Post production equipment is industry standard

I have been engaged with filmmaking since the age of 9 and was searching for a course that could further my knoll which is not always easy to find. I feel IFI was a perfect match. The classes were great where you could always pick something new up no matter how much you feel you know. The timetables were devided up very well giving time for you to study a lot while also socializing with your mates. The theory and practical parts of the course were balanced. Equipment used to shoot with were not industry standard or very high end, but for students first introduced to filmmaking it works fine as it is easy to master.  The instructors were very helpful and a joy to work with! Overall the IFI program is an amazing program for everyone and actually encourages you to study film at college, opening your eyes to the advantages of lessons everyday. Highly recommend it!

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

 Pros

•  Extremely helpful instructors, who put in a lot of effort to make the program as interesting as possible.

The Sarah Lawrence Filmmaker's Collective was the top experience I've had at a summer film program. Start to finish, their top priority was that we were making films at a near-professional level. All scripts were written to the industry standard, filming schedules established, casting calls made, and professional equipment was utilized. It certainly didn't hurt that we had an extremely positive crew of instructors guiding us through each early process, but what made the program so helpful was that it left room for things to go wrong. When I had actors dropping for my shoot and planned locations being shut down, they left it mainly in my hands to fix. That is the single most important thing a film school can do for you—give you real field experiences, mistakes and all—cause you'll be better prepared for the real thing on the other end.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Dedicated teachers

•  Excellent facilities and availability of recources

•  Real industry experience

•  Good campus

I went into this camp uncertain of what I wanted to do in college. When I finished the five week intensive program, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I felt like my instructors really cared about my project and were willing to spend time just to make it perfect. C.C Webster, the screenwriting teacher, was amazing. If you enjoy screenwriting, go to this camp. Beyond screenwriting, the program offers excellent classes in directing, working the camera, and even acting. This gives students the entire film experience. We even went to casting calls in the middle of New York City, which was an experience that you can't get very many other places. Overall, if you like film, this is the place to go.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Amazing atmosphere

•  Great professors

Being a part of IFI’s summer film program has truly changed my life. When I first entered, I knew I was interested in writing but I had barely held a camera in my hand and had zero interest in anything other than writing. However, with the help of some wonderful professors, I found a new passion for being a Director of Photography. Not only did they help me develop the skills necessary to begin as a DP, but they have helped me in finding an internship and writing me a letter of recommendation, truly highlighting the supportive environment that follows you outside of the program. No matter what level of experience you have or what you plan to do in the future, I highly recommend being a part of such a fantastic program.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Focused curriculum to learn the craft of filmmaking.

•  Knowledgeable instructors and supportive staff.

•  Access to equipment and filming locations.

I spent a lot of time researching for the right summer program for me. Save for those conducted by universities, most of the others are scams and their sales representatives are relentless in their pursuit for international students. So I think it is important to state at the outset that the International Film Institute of New York Summer Intensive is a legitimate program that I wish I could experience all over again. 

The defined and structured curriculum gave me a solid foundation in filmmaking basics from writing, directing to practical on-set production know-how. I signed up without any filmmaking background or experience and enjoyed all the classes with the engaging and brilliant instructors, in particular screenwriting with Keola. He kicked off the first lesson with a generative image writing exercise to get our creatives juices flowing and it helped to get our class acquainted with each other as well.

The end goal of the program was to produce a short film. This was on top of the daily writing and directing assignments so it was rather intensive but I enjoyed every moment of it. Being objective, I do think that this program is better suited for highly motivated individuals with a collaborative spirit and are prepared to put in the work. The film shoots were the most fun I've ever had and I became confident that filmmaking was what I wanted to pursue in graduate school.

Quite apart from the educational aspect, I love the people at this program. The instructors and staff have continued to provide me with their guidance long after the program ended (shoutout to Misael, Donella, Keola, Stephen and Jesus). They genuinely want the best for their students in terms of their personal filmmaking growth and are willing to help whenever they can. These guys are simply the best. Another plus point, my classmates / housemates on-campus (J and D) have become some of my closest friends and I am so happy that we met at this program.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Great staff, Great location, Great experience.

Well I couldn't figure out how to make this site give them more stars. I had an amazing experience at The International Film Institute of New York in the 5 week summer intensive . First the Sarah Lawrence Campus is beautiful and is a great location right near the City if you want to visit it in your free time. This Course is run like a Graduate level class crammed into 5 short weeks in which you will learn more about film than you can at any other program. I had Keola as my script supervisor who not only helped me through my 15 separate drafts, but also helped me outside of the class with my script and taught me things that I will carry with me throughout my career in film. For My directing advisor I had the honor of being taught by Jesus Alarcon who not only broke-down the elements of story telling in a multitude of short films, but helped teach us how to plan out our shooting so when we are on set we aren’t having the actors, who we casted in New York City, sit around waiting to be used. 

The fact that we were able to write shoot and edit our own films in this program was amazing. But it got better. When we were there there was a feature set that was shooting on the campus starring Richard Gere. Misial (the head of the program) helped get a few of us on set as PA's which made my year. It was a lot of fun to be at the program. Misial and his wife Donella are the best and most helpful people ever and supported all of us through our filmmaking process. 

This program is the experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in film.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Strong curriculum. Dedicated staff. Access to facilities, equipment, and instruction.

I attended the five week IFI summer film intensive during the summer of 2016. I was initially apprehensive about the program, as I wasn’t sure what I was going to get. I found the schedule to be promising, but I was worried because I didn’t have a whole lot of info on what I was going to get in terms of other people. I actually read a review on this site and decided to take my chance.

The program turned out to be exactly what I had hoped it would be. The program was very well run and incredibly well structured. I was ready to shoot a film after three weeks. And I went in there with nothing—I didn’t have a script, I didn’t have any previous experience in production. I came out of the program feeling like I had a good foundation on everything from script writing to casting. I came out feeling like I was ready to be a filmmaker.

What surprised me the most was the quality of the instruction and the dedication of the staff. They made themselves available. They made sure films got made. They cared. I really appreciated that.

I would strongly recommend this program to a friend, especially if he or she has a strong interest in filmmaking. This program really teaches you everything in a very short time. I was very very happy with the program.

 STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

The One Week Seminar was a fulfilling experience. If you have even the slightest interest in film but find yourself stumped as to where to begin then this is the place for you. The week flies by but you would be amazed at how much you can retain.The curriculum covers all the fundamental processes of filmmaking from development to distribution. There is a lot to take in. Especially when you get into camera or editing specifics. While some material may come off as too dry ( I didn't think so but not everyone may agree) it is important to understand all the mechanics of the filmmaking process. 

The instructors were emphatic and their unique idiosyncrasies make them and their lessons memorable. With only a few hours to impart as much as possible, they try their best to answer every question and develop the interests of all the students. Given the time constraints it is your responsibility to take what they give you and run with it. They recommend a ton of great reading material and online resources to complement what they have taught in the classroom.

Be diligent with your note taking and it helps to come prepared with ideas for a film or screenplay. Don't worry if you miss something because they do provide informative handouts. Ask as many questions as possible! Before, during, and after class. Get everyone's contact information. Stay in touch.

Your relationship with the instructors does not end with the seminar. IFI is passionate about building a film community and are making strides to improve with each successive seminar. A great group of individuals who love to hear what their students have to offer and promote a collaborative environment in and out of the classroom.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Caring and knowledgeable staff & very informative

I recently attended IFI's evening seminar. I travelled from Georgia to NYC just for this class for my work. I had a pretty general understanding of the film process from start to finish, but by the end of this program, I felt a renewed confidence and passion for the art. The staff is friendly, caring, and they genuinely want you to succeed. 

Despite it being considered a beginner/introductory course, even as someone who has worked in film for a little while, I felt I walked away with more than my money's worth. My only regret is that they're not in Georgia.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Even though it was just 1 week, it was intense and I've learned more than I did anywhere else. From screenwriting, directing all the way to hands-on lighting, I felt like I was learning useful information each and every class. Everyone was incredibly helpful and understanding. Overall this seminar leaves you motivated to get out there! I would recommend it to anyone who wants learn about film.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

I am new to making films and recently took a one week nightly workshop with the IFINY. It was extremely informative and I left there with a true general understanding of how films are made. I would suggest this workshop to anyone who is at all interested in learning about film making and is completely new to the process. You will certainly not be disappointed.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  Thoroughly boutique experience with teachers who genuinely care that you are learning and succeeding

I attended the 2015 summer film making program and came out with a fantastic short film, way better than I ever imagined possible as a complete beginner and after just one month. I credit the wonderful teachers who were super efficient in condensing all the important basics into efficient classes and the founders who were always available and invested in our learning process. 

I went into the course only hoping to learn to write better, yet when I came out I found the confidence to pursue film as a career. The course is very intensive but well structured so as long as you work hard and plan well, it is possible to make a really good short film. Film professionals tell me they are really impressed with the quality of what I was able to make in such a short time.

The advantage of this school over the other usually bigger schools is that you get very personal attention and tailored experience. I have been through big universities and felt totally lost. I feel much better guided and supported in this program. 

I would recommend students to think of a few short story ideas before the course begins to save time from thinking on the spot. You will need all the time for perfecting your script and planning your shoot.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Pros

•  the faculty truly care and support; coursework in a broad range of film disciplines; access to film equipment and editing lab, and very hands-on; a good foundation in theory as well

I did the 5 week film intensive offered by the International Film Institute of New York at Sarah Lawrence College in July 2015. It was my first time with, really, doing any formal sort of coursework in film. It was absolutely wonderful! The five weeks are extremely intense and demanding -the work probably averages 7 days a week for 10-11 hours a day. The faculty are incredibly caring and dedicated -they want to see you excel, really appreciate if you show dedication and passion, and are available for help all the time. The program is awesome in putting each student in a container that supports them in creating, from start to finish, a short with the help of the faculty and fellow students. 

I would suggest that anyone who has decided to do the program come in with a few ideas and if possible, a first draft of a script. But this may not be necessary. I have difficulty writing outside of a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, and the program is very fast-paced and demanding. 

But overall, a really wonderful experience. The courses were great, the access to equipment were great, the teachers were genuinely supportive, real human beings, who work in the industry and appreciate a newcomer's wish to become a filmmaker, and the fellow students were awesome. It was hard work, a lot of learning, and good, good fun!

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Every so often, you should be able to look back on your past and remember at least a handful of experiences that elicit the thought “that was life-changing.” For me, enrolling in IFI’s One-On-One College Mentorship Filmmaking Program was one of the best decisions I ever made because of everything I learned and accomplished in just a short five-weeks. The course was uniquely geared towards helping me develop a quality, portfolio piece that I could use for my college applications. The program started with a phone call from the program founder and leader, Misael Sanchez, who began by prepping me with the details of what colleges would be looking for in an overall application and especially my art’s portfolio. This alone was such a valuable conversation but the benefits of the course don’t end there!

In addition to discussions about applying to schools, I would meet with my teacher-mentor, Andres Rosende, who was overseeing the success of my short film. He helped finalize my screenplay and provided guidance for how I should proceed with the pre-production and production of my project. Though I had the support of the mentors at IFI, the execution of the project was completely up to me. That aspect of the program is perhaps the most valuable as it taught me to produce my work, and make the transition from script to screen. Now as a sophomore in college, I realize that the ability to produce your own project is almost never developed in high school programs, and rarely at the undergraduate level. I’m so grateful for the rigor of IFI's course as it has more than prepared me for my undergraduate pursuits. They provided me with the opportunity to broaden my understanding of filmmaking and reaffirm my passion for the craft.  

Lastly, everyone involved at IFI has the absolutely best attitude about making films and that outlook is completely infectious. If anything, you’ll definitely learn how to be professional on film sets and how to have fun in the process.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

The 5 week International Film Institute of NY program was, without a doubt, the best learning experience and ultimately, the best weeks, of my life so far. While I have been passionate about film for many years and have attended some summer film classes, this program really teaches you what you need to know to create a film. The goal of the 5 weeks is to produce a 5 min short film (particularly great if you need a portfolio to submit for college applications), and you do everything from writing the script, casting the actors, choosing the locations, instructing your crew (of fellow students), directing the shoot, and editing. There's a reason it's called 'intensive' filmmaking program; you are going nonstop for all five weeks. I was thrilled with the quality and accessibility of the professors, including Misael Sanchez and Kyle Wilamowski. I made a ton of friends among my fellow high school students and even some of the adult students. It is wonderful to be part of a community that is so passionate about filmmaking If you think you might want to have a career in filmmaking, I highly suggest you take the course to figure out if it is for you.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

The IFI Summer Film Intensive was easily one of the best experiences of my life. The lessons and co-ordination of course material flowed extravagantly, and the staff are amazingly friendly and dedicated to helping the students achieve to their greatest potential. You will find yourself becoming interested in fields that you never thought would appeal to you, for example, lessons as seemingly trivial as 'lighting workshops' were fascinating and extremely important when becoming comfortable and knowledgeable with film equipment and terminology. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is unsure of whether they want to pursue film in the future, or even if it is more of an underscored passion of yours that you'd like to elaborate on.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

This is truly an exceptional program. I had no prior experience in filmmaking before I came, and when I left, I had written, directed, and edited a film I was proud of and had gained a breadth of knowledge on so many areas of the film making process. There was amazing staff who we seemingly always had access to, who always had excellent insights and really pushed students to do better. Not only was the staff great, but learning alongside others was incredibly informative as well. We were always helping each other with our screen playing through table reads and peer edits. I totally recommend this program!

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Five weeks is not a long time. Through IFI's program, I was able to fulfill a project that could've taken months, in about 35 days (which is phenomenal).
The faculty are incredible, accessible and experts in their fields. They knew exactly how to suggest helpful criticism while still positively reviewing my work. Without them, I would not have been able to make my film.
The coordinators and heads of the program designed a great curriculum, and allowed for wonderful opportunities that mimicked the real, behind the scenes workings of the film industry. I was able to see that I love film theory, and I love directing, among other things.
I'm super grateful for the opportunity the IFI allotted me.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

Finally, I decided to take the film making course...It was one of the best decisions ever.
If you have a dream just go for it! This is the best place to start. The teachers are AMAZING. Special thanks and all my respect to -Rona Mark, my favorite Film Director ANGEL ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ -Mario Paniagua, my hero supervisor, who does not know the word impossible -Fred Strype, the Best Screenwriting Guru.  It is very tough so be prepared. You will sweat, laugh and sometimes cry but the experience will stay with you forever.  Amazing people, life-long friends.
You will learn a lot. The best intensive course in Film making in NY. Go and try your wings.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

As parents we are completely satisfied with the experience and results of Sabrina's participation in the 5-week summer intensive. The environment provided for the student to feel safe and happy, it seemed all the kids made good friends. The student was able develop independence and developed the initiative to advance further their interest in the various stages of filmmaking.
The staff is resourceful. Sabrina grew her technical skills and knowledge in the filmmaking- she still prefers the cinematography. The structure of this program allowed her to participate not only in her movie but also in others while doing what she prefers and knows best. Teamwork was excellent.
We are happy to have chosen Sarah Lawrence Summer Film Intensive for our daughter. The staff from the Film Institute of New York put their heart and 200% effort to support these students to make a professional-grade movie, under a safe and educational structure. I will definitely recommend this summer program for high school kids that are serious about filmmaking.

STUDENT / PARENT REVIEWS

I couldn't have enjoyed or benefitted from this program more. It has taught a newcomer to the film industry, someone with no experience enough to write, produce, direct and edit a movie--something that still seems baffling to me. I could not have asked for better teachers, supporters, or friends. This program has not only taught me the intricacies of film production, but also the joy of being in the presence of people with the same ambition and interest in cinema. At first I was put off by the heavy concentration on curfews and being in one's room. But I quickly realized that it was of little importance when compared with the benefits this program was providing me. Thank you for your help.