AFDA, The South African school of motion picture medium and live performance

General information

In the course of a rich entrepreneurial history dating back to 1994, AFDA has earned a reputation as one of the leading institutions of its kind in the world today. Although our track record speaks for itself, we continually renew our commitment to facilitate an environment that develops high-quality human and intellectual property with the relevant skills to deal with the rigors of a fast-expanding and ever-changing entertainment industry.

At our fully equipped campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Gaborone (Botswana) we train graduates to contribute to one of the largest growing industries in the world: entertainment. In the globalised economy, cultural exchange is a valuable currency. AFDA graduates are taught to conceptualize, create and develop indigenous products and commodities for the local and international market.

Our students are educated not only to forge profitable and sustainable careers in this market, but are encouraged to develop themselves as employment providers - the cultural entrepreneurs of the future. Our alumni have reinvigorated their industries with the quality of their intellectual property, skill and talent. More than 90% of our Honours alumni are working and employed in their chosen field of specialization.

While AFDA's registered title is The School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance, due to the institution’s expansion and a broader scope of programme offers we have re-positioned ourselves as AFDA: The School for the Creative Economy. This has stemmed from the evolving economic climate globally and in South Africa, characteristics that define the centennial generation, with a focus of the theories of Richard Florida (The Rise of the Creative Class) and Paul Fussel (Class). The creative economy – an economy which is diverse and more inclusive, uses knowledge to create new ideas, and based in cities that have tolerance, technology and talent. AFDA’s degree, certificate and short course programmes guides emerging graduates to recognize opportunities in the creative industries (entertainment arts, business innovation and technology) to develop their career. Our campuses are based in cities that offer an experiential and aspiration lifestyle, with great opportunities to be part of growing the creative economy.

AFDA films are exhibited at numerous international festivals and have been broadcast worldwide, winning many prestigious awards, including the Student Academy Award winner and Cannes festival finalist in 2006 and a SAFTA (South African Film and Television Award) in 2007. AFDA is a full member of CILECT - the International Association of Accredited Film and Television Schools.

AFDA is a private higher education institution which offers higher certificate and degree programmes that are registered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Our programmes are accredited and we participate productively in the ongoing reaccreditation and quality assurance processes of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) to ensure the quality of our programmes. The DHET certificate number for AFDA is 2001/HE07/012.