Directing-Cinematography

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

You are behind the camera on day one.

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

After the program you are ready 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 complete filmmaking course that teaches both the director’s vision and the cinematographer’s eye in a single, integrated year. Most film schools separate these disciplines. At AMA, you learn them together, because the most effective filmmakers understand both sides of the camera.

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

Kraków is not a coincidence. As a UNESCO City of Literature and one of Central Europe’s most active film and creative production hubs, it provides a natural backdrop and a real industry environment. Many AMA graduates have gone on to work with Polish and international productions — some starting while still enrolled in the program.

Classes are conducted entirely in English. Polish language learning is available in parallel and is strongly recommended for students planning to stay in Poland, join Polish productions or continue studies at Polish institutions.

Who is this program for?

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

Career paths

After completing the program you can develop professionally in the following directions:

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

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

Filmmaker — an independent creator who handles multiple roles: writing, directing and shooting their own projects for film festivals, 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 — building 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 punches far above its size — home to festivals, production companies, studios and a growing number of international co-productions. Living costs are significantly lower than in Western Europe, which means your budget goes further while your creative environment stays high.

About AI in the program

Contemporary filmmaking increasingly combines material 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 craft, but as an extension of it. You learn when to use AI and when the 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 learning is available as an optional parallel course and is recommended for students planning to work in Poland or continue studying at Polish institutions.

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

What is the difference between Directing-Cinematography 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 complete filmmaking foundation or who aren’t yet certain which direction they want to specialize in.

What equipment do students work with?
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 the 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 at an open exam. A theoretical examination 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, moodboarding and concept development, as well as AI-assisted workflows in post-production (cleanup, color, set extension). The emphasis is on understanding when and why to use these tools, not on prompt generation for its own sake.

Can I learn Polish while studying?
Yes. Parallel Polish language learning is available and actively encouraged. Basic Polish opens up significant opportunities in the local film industry and in everyday life in Kraków.

iploma — Directing-Cinematography

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

The program is supported by the Polish Film Institute.