Ajyal Film Academy

Create the stories that shape the future of Saudi cinema.

Practice-first film and screen-arts education in Saudi Arabia — connecting emerging talent with international expertise, industry practitioners and professional production environments.

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Students: 300+; Students
Programmes: 15+; Programmes
Campus: 1; Campus

Ajyal Film Academy is proudly partnered with

Why Ajyal Film Academy

Learn by doing from day one. Work across real creative briefs and productions. Build a portfolio that demonstrates your voice, technical ability and readiness for the industry.

Hands-on learning

Every program is built around production. You leave with finished work, not lecture notes.

Professional Equipment

Cameras, sound, lighting, editing suites and writers’ rooms at professional standard.

Industry practitioners

Taught by working directors, producers, writers and cinematographers active in the industry.

Portfolio Outcomes

A film, reel, script, performance or production package you can show to employers.

Programs Open Now

Short workshops and year-long conservatories in Riyadh.

View all 20 programs

4-week filmmaking workshop

Acting for film intensive

1-Year Filmmaking Conservatory

Where you can study

Al Hisn Big Time Studios in Riyadh is AFA’s flagship hub and runs every discipline, from short workshops to the year-long conservatory. A second campus is on the way.

Riyadh — Flagship campus

Al Hisn Big Time Studios

AFA’s flagship home in one of the region’s premier film and TV production environments — every discipline, including the year-long conservatory.

Download Al Hisn Handbook

Runs here

Filmmaking
Directing
Acting for Film
Producing
Screenwriting
1-Year Conservatory

Al Hisn Big Time Studios

Riyadh — all programmes

Second campus

Coming Soon

A second AFA campus is in the works. Location, programmes and start dates will be announced soon.

Coming Soon

Announcing soon

Life after graduation

Leave with more thana qualification.

AFA is being built inside the industry it teaches. Students graduate with a portfolio, production credits, professional relationships and a real pathway into a career.

Explore life after graduation

Straight answers before you apply

Launch timing, campuses, tuition, NYFA collaboration, licensing and how registration works.

AFA is a Saudi film education platform focused on practical, industry-connected training in filmmaking, television and digital media. The Academy combines international academic relationships with regional industry access and hands-on training in Riyadh.
AFA is targeting its first full-time one-year filmmaking conservatory intake for October 2026. Short-term workshops and partner programs may begin on separate schedules.
AFA’s flagship Riyadh location is at Al Hisn Big Time Studios, placing students inside a professional studio and production environment.
The initial flagship program is a one-year filmmaking conservatory for an initial cohort of 60 students.
Current planned tuition for the one-year filmmaking conservatory is $21,000 (SAR 78,750), before any equipment fee. Full fee schedules for workshops, conservatories, MA and MFA programmes are listed on the Programmes page.
Students will receive practical training across areas such as directing, cinematography, producing, screenwriting, editing, sound, production design, film business and capstone production work.
Yes. AFA is planning short-term professional workshops in Riyadh, including intensive training in filmmaking, directing, cinematography, producing, screenwriting, acting, editing, post-production and other film-related disciplines.
AFA is building a faculty model that combines international specialists with experienced Saudi and regional filmmakers, educators and industry practitioners.
AFA has a full academic partnership with New York Film Academy (NYFA), using the same curriculum, faculty, and teaching methods as NYFA’s U.S. campuses. Eligible credits are transferable, allowing students to continue their studies between Saudi Arabia and NYFA campuses in the U.S.
AFA is structuring its applicable training curricula through the relevant Saudi regulatory and licensing pathways, including TVTC where applicable. Final licensing and credential details will be published before students enroll in the relevant program.
Not necessarily. Some programs are designed for beginners, while others may be intended for students or professionals with prior experience. Entry requirements will be listed for each program.
A portfolio is not expected to be mandatory for every program. Applicants with existing work may submit a portfolio or showreel as part of their registration.
The language of instruction may vary by program. AFA intends to use international English-language content where appropriate, with Arabic support and bilingual delivery for selected workshops.
Yes. AFA is intended to serve qualified applicants and emerging creative talent across Saudi Arabia and the region.
AFA intends to welcome eligible Saudi, GCC, regional and international applicants subject to program requirements, visa rules and regulatory requirements.
AFA’s model is designed around industry-embedded learning. Depending on the program and production schedule, students may participate in practical productions, studio exercises, workshops, capstone projects and supervised industry experiences.
AFA is being built around clear career pathways into film, television, digital media and the wider creative economy. Career support may include industry networking, internships, guest speakers, portfolio development and employer engagement.
Scholarships, sponsorships and payment plans may be introduced depending on the program and partner support. Final options will be announced before enrollment.
Complete the online registration form and select your preferred program and campus. The admissions team will contact you with the next steps, required documents and any interview or portfolio requirements.
Campus availability depends on the program. The one-year conservatory is initially planned for Riyadh. Once further campuses open, transfers would depend on program compatibility and available seats.
Refund and withdrawal rules will be published for each program before payment. Students should review the applicable deadlines and terms before confirming enrollment.
You can contact Ajyal Film Academy at support@ajyalacademy.com.

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