Earn a BFA through Emerson College’s global partnership with Paris College of Art (PCA).
Three Years. Three Countries. One Cohort. One Career-Launching Experience. The Global BFA in Film Art is a bold, intensive filmmaking degree designed for students ready to live, learn, and create at the intersection of craft, culture, and global storytelling.
Over three academic years and three summers, students complete a fully accredited four-year program while studying and collaborating in Paris, the Netherlands, and Boston.
A Cohort Designed to Foster a Community of Lifelong Collaborators
Students move through the program together, forming a tight-knit creative community that mirrors the real-world film industry. You’ll gain experience across the many roles of production (director, casting assistant, location scout, cinematographer, editor, producer) as you create your own work and support the visions of your peers.
When you begin the program, upper-level students will help you navigate your first semesters, level up your skills, and set the bar for your next stage of creative growth.
A Timeline Designed for Creative Immersion
Year One
Fall and Spring: Paris - Immerse yourself in European film culture, history, and production.
Summer: Boston - Build technical skills and connect with Emerson’s U.S. film community.
Year Two
Fall and Spring: Paris - Continue advanced coursework and develop original projects in a world capital of art and cinema.
Summer: Well, the Netherlands - Live and create in Emerson’s 14th-century castle. Reflect, refine your voice, and prepare for capstone work.
Year Three
Fall and Spring: Paris - Shift into advanced production, mentorship, and portfolio refinement.
Summer: Boston - Finalize work, prepare festival submissions, and transition into the industry.
Access to Unparalleled Resources
While in Boston, you'll benefit from the industry-level equipment and state-of-the-art studio spaces provided by the School of Film, Television, and Media Arts.
At Paris College of Art, you'll have access to unparalleled academic resources, including three libraries and exclusive archives originally reserved for museum curators. You'll also have access to research opportunities and fine art studio facilities through the school's partnerships with other universities around Paris. You will learn alongside students from other countries in Paris College of Art's broadly international student body.
Finally, you will be able to take advantage of the many art museums and cultural attractions of Paris, from the world famous Cinémathèque and numerous art house cinemas, to the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the winding streets of Montmartre, the setting for numerous films and historic destination of many famous artists.
Graduate Ready to Work
This accelerated format builds independence, agility, resilience, and the confidence to step directly into the industry. By graduation, students walk away with:
- A portfolio of original films;
- A global network of creatives;
- A deep understanding of international filmmaking;
- Skills shaped by real production experience.
Your life becomes your art. The world becomes your classroom.