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Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts (FSUFilm) maintains its reputation as the fourth-ranked public film school in the country while advancing to No. 14 in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 rankings of premier U.S. film schools, up from No. 17.
Two significant factors contributed to this advancement: the purchase of a 43,242-square-foot venue — previously the Governor’s Square theater complex in Tallahassee — and the ongoing success of the college’s MFA Feature Film Program, which is now entering its third year.
“I am confident our substantial rise in the rankings this year is attributed to the exceptional support we’ve received from the administration at FSU,” stated Reb Braddock, dean of the college. “We’ve achieved two long-cherished aspirations: we now have a theater of our own, and we’re soon entering production on our third feature film. These represent significant milestones for our program.”
The new venue will accommodate the college’s Center for Cinematic Innovation, known as Torchlight Studios, relocating it from Midway, Florida, to the core of Tallahassee. It aims to provide both academic and public cinematic experiences, offering students practical training and chances to exhibit their work locally and internationally.
The updated space will support FSU’s expanding graduate programs and comprise four theaters for screenings, a post-production area, a dedicated soundstage for the MFA Feature Film Program, a 2,624-square-foot virtual production stage, two professional soundstages, production offices, scene shops, and creative spaces for production design, storage for props and costumes, as well as a 5,796-square-foot event venue for campus and community events.
“When the film school was established in 1989 to prepare students for roles in the motion picture industry, it was provided nearly every resource necessary to become one of the finest institutions for film education, except one — a dedicated movie theater,” Braddock said. “This bold initiative reimagines the Governor’s Square theater into a genuine hub for film appreciation and production, with a strong emphasis on community participation.”
FSUFilm’s MFA Feature Film Program enables graduate students to pitch and direct a fully funded, college-supported feature film during an optional third year of study. Second-year students assist on the feature, acquiring experience and credits before completing their capstone films.
“Being able to direct a feature film while still in school feels surreal,” said Jack Gaffney, MFA Class of 2025. “The Feature Film Program at FSU Film provides you with practical experience from conception to completion. You’re not just understanding how to make a film; you’re learning how to market it as well. Traveling to Cannes and witnessing the industry dynamics firsthand is an unforgettable experience. Throughout it all, you have faculty and staff supporting you every step of the way.”
The program’s inaugural feature, “Noseeums,” a Southern Gothic horror narrative set in the Florida Panhandle, is represented by Odin’s Eye Entertainment and will debut at FrightFest in London on Saturday, Aug. 23.
“Directing ‘Noseeums’ was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” said Raven Carter, director and former FSU Film student. “It’s those challenges that have distinguished me in terms of leading teams and directing. The FSU feature program is an incredible opportunity to rapidly enhance your skills and mature as a filmmaker. I’m thrilled that we’re headed to FrightFest, and I hope the entire team feels proud and elated regarding this remarkable achievement.”
FSUFilm continues to maintain the lowest cost of attendance among top-rated film schools, with no concealed fees and tuition covering all production equipment and expendables, including access to industry-standard tools.
For additional details, visit film.fsu.edu.
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