Addisalem Film Academy · Dessie
Learn Filmmaking from the Source.
“ፊልምን ከምንጩ ይማሩ”
850+
Graduates since 2011
120+
Short films produced by students
10
Disciplines taught
12+
Alumni working in film today
The craft school of Northern Ethiopia.
Addisalem Film Academy is a premier media training institute founded in 2011 E.C. (2018 G.C.) in Dessie, Ethiopia, dedicated to bridging local storytelling talent with international industry standards.
Our philosophy is simple: Learn Filmmaking from the Source“ፊልምን ከምንጩ ይማሩ”
Our core pillars
- Immediate Practical ExecutionHands-on technical mastery over abstract theory.
- Real-Set DisciplineCrew-based learning structured around active production environments and strict deadline pressure.
- Bilingual FluencyIndustry-grade instruction delivered seamlessly in Amharic and English to foster authentic narrative voices.
- Industry ReadinessA curriculum designed to graduate set-ready photographers, script writers, actors, directors, cinematographers, editors and sound engineers.
Why AFA exists
Built to turn passion into practice.
01
AFA Objective
To develop students’ creative thinking in the art and craft of filmmaking, equipping them with the technical skills and industry knowledge they need to succeed.
02
AFA Mission
To cultivate a dynamic learning environment where students discover their artistic voice, master industry-standard technology, and turn a passion for film into a professional reality.
03
AFA Goal
To empower the next generation of visual storytellers and elevate the standard of cinema by producing highly skilled, industry-ready professionals.
How we work
How we work.
Step 01
Real Sets, Real Deadlines
We teach film the way it is actually made in the industry.
Step 02
Cameras in Hand from Week One
Theory is important, but practical execution is everything.
Step 03
Authentic Voices
Our set days and screening nights are built to elevate the stories of the Amhara region and all of Ethiopia.
Step 04
Crew-Based Learning
Taught fluently in both Amharic and English, preparing you for local and global collaborations.
We aren’t here to study film from a distance. We are here to make it.
Why choose AFA
Why choose Addisalem Film Academy?
We bridge the gap between passion and profession. Our curriculum is built around practical experience, industry standards and creative freedom, so you graduate as a job-ready filmmaker.
Learn from the Source: Skip endless theoretical lectures and step directly onto a working set.
Real Deadlines, Real Experience: From week one you train in crew-based environments, learning key roles under authentic production deadlines and real-world conditions.
A Direct Professional Network: We connect you with production houses, media networks and advertising agencies.
Launch Your Career: Our industry links open pathways to internships, freelance projects and full-time placements right after graduation.
Industry-Standard Equipment: Bring your visual storytelling to life on modern cinema cameras, professional sound gear and versatile studio lighting.
Project Support: Get direct access to the gear you need to build a high-quality portfolio and produce standout independent films.
Graduate with a Reel: You leave with more than a certificate — a polished portfolio, original short films and a professional demo reel.
Ready for Clients and Employers: The work you finish here is the work you introduce yourself with.
01
Hands-On, Set-Based Training
02
Industry Placement & Career Opportunities
03
Dedicated Access to Production Gear
04
Portfolio-First Approach
Programs
Four ways to learn film.
Choose the timeline that fits your schedule. Whether you need a quick skills boost or a comprehensive cinematic education, AFA has a path for you.
Also offered
The 1-Month Skill Boost
1 month · one discipline
A single focus course chosen from one of the ten disciplines — fast-paced, targeted training on one specific skill, with boot-camp energy.
EnquireThe toolkit: Hands-on photo and video editing using industry-standard software: Premiere Pro (Pr), After Effects (Ae), Photoshop (Ps), Illustrator (Ai), InDesign (ID), and Cinema 4D (C4D).
Two rooms, full kit
The camera you learn on is the one you shoot your graduation film with.
The AFA Studio & Gear Vault
Professional tools for authentic storytelling. At Addisalem Film Academy, your training is hands-on from week one. Our two dedicated classrooms are fully equipped with the industry-standard cameras, audio recorders, and editing suites you need to bring your vision to life.
Classroom
Lectures, reviews, colour checks and wall screenings all share the same four walls.
Camera & Grip
- Digital Cinema & DSLR cameras
- Drone
- Tripod, monopod and Gimbal
- Spot and flood light
Production Audio
Field Recording with Zoom H6. Microphones: wireless neck mic and shotgun mics, including the Sennheiser MKE 600.
The Post-Production Suite
The Workstations: Dedicated editing computers available for students to practice during off-hours. The Software: the complete Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for editing and motion design.
Graduates, in their own words.
Alumni who moved from a first idea to a first film on our floor.
I came for a weekend phone-film workshop and stayed for a year. Now I shoot commercial work in Addis.
The set days did more for me than a year of theory. You learn speed, stillness and how to ask for what you need.
My short premiered at a Dessie festival to a full room. Addisalem gave me the craft, and the room gave me courage.
What’s new
Student work, academy news and behind-the-scenes, fresh from the channel.
Showcases, production tips and academy updates are announced here first. Every film school needs a screening room, and ours is on YouTube.
Admissions open for the November intake
Early-bird applications for foundation courses close on 15 October. Campus tours run every Saturday morning.
The ADD Award — every year, for the best of the craft.
One day a year the academy crowns the finest in each field: actor, cinematographer, director, graphics designer, script writer and video editor.
Admissions are open for the next intake.
Send an application and come for a campus tour. We take final films over prepared notes, so a phone in your pocket is enough to begin.
Visit
Piyassa, Dessie, EthiopiaCall us
09 21 25 88 1509 89 81 84 79Email
addisalemfilms@gmail.comHours
Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 17:00
Saturday, 9:00 – 13:00
Sunday, Closed
No experience required
Around half of every intake starts from zero. The other half brings clips, scripts or a stubborn curiosity. Both kinds graduate.