Variety Magazine recognizes RIT as one of the Top Film Schools in North America for its innovative programs and industry impact

Rochester, New York – The Rochester Institute of Technology has once again landed in the spotlight—this time for its growing stature in the world of cinema and storytelling. Variety, the globally respected authority on all things entertainment, has named RIT’s School of Film and Animation one of the Top Film Schools in North America in its highly anticipated Education Impact Report. It’s a major nod to a school that has quietly and consistently been building a powerhouse program that blends creativity with technical brilliance.

The annual list by Variety includes institutions steeped in cinematic tradition as well as up-and-coming players that are shaking up the status quo. RIT, firmly in the latter category, has managed to do what many schools aspire to—stay ahead of the curve in both innovation and impact. According to Variety, RIT boasts a “deep bench of facilities,” robust industry partnerships, and faculty whose expertise is described as “a huge asset for students.”

“Being named among the top film schools by Variety is a tremendous honor. It’s a testament to the exciting momentum we’ve built and our dedication to providing our students with the experiences and skills needed to thrive in the industry,” said Shanti Thakur, director of the School of Film and Animation.

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This recognition follows a year of upward movement for the program, which has already been featured in film school rankings by The Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap, and Animation Career Review. The momentum isn’t just being felt at the top; students are feeling the energy, too.

Take Carson Munn, a third-year film and animation – production option student from Amsterdam, N.Y. When deciding where to continue his education, RIT stood out to him for all the right reasons: world-class facilities, an encouraging community, and a focus on hands-on learning that doesn’t stop at the classroom door.

“I wanted to go to a university where I knew I could leave with confidence and stability as I went about my career search. I have no doubts that RIT will make this happen for me,” said Munn. “No matter what area of film you want to pursue, you will find another RIT alum working there.”

The facilities that drew Munn in are part of RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios—a futuristic environment where students can work on projects in fully equipped sound stages, advanced color correction suites, and professional-grade post-production labs. It’s here that students build real-world experience using the very same tools that are used in the industry’s top studios.

For Munn, there was another compelling reason to choose RIT. As a student with hearing loss, he found the resources available through the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) indispensable. “As someone with hearing loss, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf provides me with accommodations in my classes that no other college would have been able to give me,” he said.

The commitment to inclusivity and support at RIT is echoed in the experiences of alumni and faculty as well. Tom Connor, a 2011 graduate and former Disney executive, now serves as assistant provost and professor of practice at RIT. He’s been closely involved in mentoring students through RIT in LA, an immersive program that connects students with the film industry in Los Angeles.

“RIT is unique in that our graduates are just as likely to win awards for their technical innovations as they are their creative contributions. This fusion of technology and creativity sets our students up for industry success by giving them the skills needed to create today’s cross-disciplinary entertainment experiences,” said Connor.

This fusion—where imagination meets innovation—is one of the defining traits of RIT’s approach. Students aren’t limited to traditional storytelling. They’re encouraged to explore the edges of the craft, experiment with emerging media, and collaborate across disciplines. That spirit of exploration has led to initiatives like a new student exchange program with the prestigious Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU), opening up even more opportunities for global learning and creative exchange.

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Todd Jokl, dean of RIT’s College of Art and Design, said the recognition is more than just a badge of honor—it’s a confirmation of the school’s broader impact.

“The RIT community knows that the school has long-been renowned for its unique approach to learning that combines the timeless art of filmmaking and cutting-edge technology. Seeing that awareness spread across the nation is a point of pride for the College of Art and Design,” said Jokl.

The recognition from Variety underscores what insiders have known for some time—RIT’s School of Film and Animation is a launchpad for emerging talent and a creative haven for the next generation of filmmakers, animators, and visual storytellers. With students graduating into the industry more prepared than ever before, and alumni leaving their marks on both the creative and technical sides of the entertainment world, RIT isn’t just joining the ranks of North America’s top film schools—it’s setting the bar for what’s possible.

For those eager to step behind the camera, enter a writers’ room, or craft digital worlds frame by frame, RIT offers more than just an education—it offers a future. And as this latest honor shows, the future is looking very bright indeed.

To explore more about RIT’s School of Film and Animation, visit their official website.