Admission to documentary school

Admission to documentary school

The call for admission to the 2025-2028 training cycle is open!

The admission is divided in two parts: the online one, which requires test materials and documentation, has a deadline set on January, 23. 2025.

By March, 3. 2025, ZeLIG will communicate the results of the online exam.

After that, 50 candidates will be invited to Bolzano, from May, 12. to May, 17. 2025, to take part to the on-site exam.

On May, 17., ZeLIG will communicate the final list of all the admitted students for the next three-years cycle 2025 - 2028.

The next three-year study cycle will start in autumn 2025. Here you can read our application procedure

At the following link you can start your application!

 

Why to Apply
For over 35 years, ZeLIG Film School in South Tyrol has been a cornerstone in the training of film professionals, significantly contributing to the development of the region as a hub for the film industry. Founded in 1988 to address a shortage of skilled workers in film and television, ZeLIG has evolved from a school for TV technicians into a specialised education centre for documentary filmmaking.
Since 2004, ZeLIG has also offered advanced training programs for industry professionals, including ESoDoc – European Social Documentary, supported by the European Union's Media Programme.
Over the years, in close synergy with the evolving international audiovisual industry, ZeLIG has established itself as a leading educational institution, specializing in all narrative and artistic facets of documentary filmmaking.

Unique Aspects of ZeLIG

  • Multilingual Education
    ZeLIG provides instruction in three languages: German, Italian, and English. This multilingual approach attracts students and lecturers from around the world, fostering a lively intercultural exchange and international networking opportunities.
  • Professionals School
    The school comprises esteemed professionals from the global film industry. These external trainers passionately share their practical knowledge, ensuring that students are abreast of the latest industry developments. This direct transfer of expertise from seasoned professionals guarantees a cutting-edge education.
  • International Exposure
    Students benefit from direct and practical exchanges with their trainers, learning about diverse film cultures and working methods. This exposure prepares them comprehensively for the international job market, making them highly competitive candidates.
  • Extensive Network
    ZeLIG operates within a dense network of international partners and stakeholders. This extensive networking is a significant advantage for both the training provided and the film location of South Tyrol.

 

The structure

The three-years cycle includes a first year for all students, where introductory seminars to different topics (history of cinema, photography, sound, editing, writing) alternate with in-depth seminars and moments of practical exercise. At the end of the first year, an exam will be held to set up the three specialisation classes.

The second year includes specific seminars for each of the three classes and joint seminars; furthermore, in addition to the various practical exercises of the individual seminars, the production of at least two short films in groups is foreseen. The year ends with the beginning of the research and development of graduation films.

The third year is entirely dedicated to the production of the graduation films: development, writing, pitch, production, post-production. The three-year cycle ends with the final exam and with the preparation of a distribution plan for each single graduation film.

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