Founded in 2001 by co-principals Anna MacDonald and Daisy Gili, London Film Academy was established with a clear vision to create practical film courses that focused on the art of celluloid filmmaking, taught by lecturers who were active within the film industry. Based in a unique converted Methodist Church on Walham Grove in Fulham, the academy has maintained its founding philosophy that “LFA is more than just a film school, it’s a place where learning is doing.” The institution has been reviewed twice by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (in 2012 and 2016), receiving positive affirmation of its standards both times. In 2006, LFA formed a strategic partnership with Club Panico, an organization with patrons including Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Sir Ben Kingsley.
London Film Academy offers a comprehensive range of programs from intensive 2-year BA (Hons) Filmmaking degrees to specialized certificate courses and one-day workshops. The curriculum spans from script to screen, with programs including MA Filmmaking, MA Screenwriting, Filmmaking Certificate (4 weeks), and Documentary Filmmaking Certificate (6 weeks). All courses emphasize hands-on learning with cutting- edge equipment including the Arri Alexa, ensuring students gain practical skills directly applicable to professional filmmaking careers.
The academy maintains robust partnerships with leading industry organizations including the British Film Institute (BFI), Arri, University of Derby, and Anglia Ruskin University. LFA’s tutors include active industry professionals such as cinematographer Andrew Speller, director David Pope, and screenwriter Kay Stonham, providing students with direct access to current industry practices and networking opportunities. The academy’s annual graduation show is held at the prestigious BFI Southbank, further cementing its industry connections.
In September 2017, London Film Academy demonstrated its commitment to diversity by announcing a £23,000 scholarship specifically for emerging female filmmakers. This initiative reflects the academy’s dedication to supporting underrepresented voices in the
film industry and creating opportunities for the next generation of female directors, producers, and screenwriters to develop their craft in a supportive environment.
As a registered higher education provider with the Office for Students, LFA maintains high academic standards while preserving its practical, industry-focused approach. The academy’s small-scale environment, housed in a converted townhouse, creates an intimate learning atmosphere that fosters close relationships between students and faculty, enabling personalized attention and collaborative learning experiences that larger institutions often cannot provide.
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