Iceland: New future for film students in Iceland

Education for film professionals

The Icelandic Film School began operations in 1992 by offering three-month courses in film making for young students. It gradually developed into a regular school for the film sector, offering vocational studies at EQF level 5 in directing and producing films. Later, three additional pathways were created: technical innovation, scriptwriting and acting. The school maintained close ties with the Icelandic film industry and contributed to several projects for Icelandic television. It received official recognition by the Ministry of Education and Culture and its curricula were recognised at EQF level 5.

The education offered by the film school was in high demand both in the Icelandic film industry and among the growing number of foreign companies filming in Iceland. However, financial difficulties mounted, and when the Ministry discontinued financial support for students at the school after months of disagreement over the educational model, the school’s operations gradually collapsed. At the same time, the Iceland University of the Arts started offering filmmaking and acting at a bachelor’s level (EQF 6), leaving the Icelandic Film School on the verge of closure.

Back on its feet

After acquiring the bankrupt estate of the Icelandic Film School in spring 2025, Rafmennt, the VET centre for the electrical sector, secured a new funding agreement with the Ministry. This allowed the school to halve its fees. At the same time, the curricula were formally recognised again, enabling students to graduate. With Rafmennt taking over the school and relocating it to the film producing company Studio Syrland, new opportunities emerged to integrate education with audio production and the technical and electronic aspects of filmmaking.

Furthermore, Rafmennt now offers continuing vocational education and training (CVET) courses in film technology for technicians seeking to upskill and explore new possibilities behind the camera.

The opportunities for aspiring film directors, actors, technicians and scriptwriters have become much more flexible. Education is now available at different levels, and students can more easily transition between disciplines, with credits from one department often recognised in another. Hands-on skills remain central to the education, and all departments collaborate closely to produce short or long films, many of which are shared with the public.

Read more

• Icelandic Film School website (in Icelandic)