Directing-Cinematography Krakow (EN)

Directing and Cinematography — filmmaking in English, in the heart of Central Europe.

You’re behind the camera on day one.

The Directing-Cinematography program at AMA Kraków is a one-year, intensive, full-time program for international students who want to learn the full scope of filmmaking—directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, and AI-assisted production—in English, in one of Europe’s most creatively vibrant cities.

This is not a theoretical film studies course. It is a hands-on filmmaking program: you write, direct, shoot, and edit your own films starting in the very first weeks. You work alongside Polish and international students, learn from active industry professionals, and graduate with a diploma film, a showreel, and the skills needed to enter the industry.

After completing the program, you will be prepared for roles such as: director, director of photography, filmmaker, content creator, video producer, or creative collaborator in film, advertising, streaming, and new media.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Directing-Cinematography is AMA’s flagship program for international students—a comprehensive filmmaking course that teaches both the director’s vision and the cinematographer’s eye in a single, integrated year. Most film schools treat these disciplines as separate. At AMA, you learn them together, because the most effective filmmakers understand both sides of the camera.

The program covers the entire production cycle: from developing an idea and writing a screenplay, through directing actors, operating the camera, designing lighting and visual language, to editing, color grading, and the basics of post-production and AI tools. You don’t specialize in a single narrow role—you develop a comprehensive understanding of how films are made, and then find your own voice within that process.

Kraków is no coincidence. As a UNESCO City of Literature and one of Central Europe’s most active hubs for film and creative production, it offers a natural setting and a genuine industry environment. Many AMA graduates have gone on to work on Polish and international productions—some even while still enrolled in the program.

Classes are taught entirely in English. Polish language courses are offered concurrently and are strongly recommended for students who plan to stay in Poland, join Polish productions, or continue their studies at Polish institutions.

Who is this program for?

The Directing-Cinematography program is the right choice if you want to learn filmmaking from the ground up in an intensive, hands-on environment—and if you want to do so in English, in a European city with a vibrant creative scene and affordable living costs. No prior film school experience is required. What matters is a commitment to the craft and a willingness to work.

Career paths

After completing the program, you can pursue career development in the following areas:

Director — leading a film, commercial, or content project from concept to final cut. Managing actors, crew, visual style, and the overall creative process.

Director of Photography (DOP) — responsible for the visual style of a film: camera work, lighting, lenses, camera movement, and color. The role that shapes what the audience sees and feels.

Filmmaker — an independent creator who takes on multiple roles: writing, directing, and shooting their own projects for film festivals, streaming platforms, brands, and new media.

Video Producer / Content Director — creating video content for brands, agencies, streaming platforms, and digital channels, with full control over the creative and production process.

Creative Collaborator — working as part of a film or advertising crew in roles such as camera assistant, assistant director, production coordinator, or script supervisor — gaining industry experience from the ground up.

Why Kraków

Kraków is one of the most affordable major cities in Europe for international students, with a thriving creative scene, an active film production market, and a strong English-speaking community. It is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a film culture that far exceeds its size—home to festivals, production companies, studios, and a growing number of international co-productions. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Western Europe, which means your budget goes further while you enjoy a high-quality creative environment.

About AI in the Program

Contemporary filmmaking increasingly combines footage shot on set with AI-assisted tools: from pre-visualization and generative references to cleanup, set extensions, and hybrid image creation. The program introduces these tools as part of a modern filmmaker’s workflow—not as a replacement for craftsmanship, but as an extension of it. You’ll learn when to use AI and when a shot needs to be done the traditional way.

FAQ

Is the program taught entirely in English?
Yes. All classes, workshops, critiques, and assessments are conducted in English. Polish language instruction is available as an optional parallel course and is recommended for students planning to work in Poland or continue their studies at Polish institutions.

Do I need prior film school experience to apply?
No. The program is designed for motivated beginners and for those with some creative background who want to develop their skills in a structured, practical environment. The admission process consists of an online interview—no portfolio is required, though you are welcome to share your previous work.

What is the difference between the Directing-Cinematography program and the separate Directing or Cinematography programs?
Directing and Cinematography are specialized one-year programs for students who have already decided on a specific role. Directing-Cinematography is an integrated program that covers both disciplines—for students who want to build a comprehensive foundation in filmmaking or who are not yet sure which area they want to specialize in.

What equipment do students use?
You work with professional cinema cameras, lighting rigs, grip equipment, sound gear, and industry-standard editing and post-production software. AMA operates its own rental facility, giving students direct access to production equipment throughout the program.

What is a graduation project?
The program culminates in the production of a diploma film—written, directed, shot, and edited by the student, and presented publicly before a jury during an open exam. A theoretical exam is also required. Students who pass receive the AMA Film Academy Diploma.

How does the AI component work in practice?
AI tools are integrated throughout the program—not as a separate module. You use generative tools for pre-visualization, mood boarding, and concept development, as well as AI-assisted workflows in post-production (cleanup, color grading, set extension). The focus is on understanding when and why to use these tools, not on prompt generation for its own sake.

Can I learn Polish while I’m in school?
Yes. Learning Polish alongside your main language is available and actively encouraged. A basic knowledge of Polish opens up significant opportunities in the local film industry and in everyday life in Kraków.

Degree — Directing and Cinematography

The requirement for completing the program and receiving the diploma is the production and public screening of a diploma film—written, directed, and shot by the student—presented before an open jury during the end-of-year examination, as well as passing a theoretical exam. Students who receive a passing grade are awarded the AMA Film Academy Diploma.

The program is supported by the Polish Film Institute.