TheWrap once again recognizes RIT as one of the nation’s leading film schools for its innovation in merging technology and creativity

Rochester, New York – Rochester Institute of Technology continues to make waves in the world of cinema and digital storytelling. The university’s School of Film and Animation (SOFA) has once again secured a spot among the country’s most respected institutions for film education, earning the 32nd position on TheWrap’s list of Top 50 Film Schools of 2025. The recognition underscores RIT’s growing reputation as a hub for creative innovation where technology, art, and design converge to shape the next generation of filmmakers and animators.

What sets RIT apart, according to TheWrap, is its ability to thrive in an age of rapid technological transformation. The publication noted that RIT is “well positioned to help students in the era of rapid technological change ushered in by digital tools and AI,” highlighting the university’s commitment to keeping its programs ahead of industry trends. Facilities such as MAGIC Spell Studios—an advanced production and research complex on campus—exemplify this commitment by giving students hands-on access to professional-grade tools and environments that mirror real-world production settings.

For Ricky Figueroa, director of the School of Film and Animation and John Traver Professor, the recognition is not only a validation of the school’s creative vision but also of its collaborative spirit. “We are very excited to have been ranked again by TheWrap. This is evidence of the amazing work our students and faculty are doing every day. The interactions and collaborations between our live action, animation, and motion picture science students prepare all of them for the challenges and opportunities brought by what is probably the most dynamic time in our industry,” said Figueroa.

Read also: City of Rochester exceeds ambitious tree planting goal as Mayor Evans celebrates milestone by planting the 6000th tree in the urban forest initiative

In the past year, SOFA has drawn growing attention from major entertainment and industry publications, including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Animation Career Review. This steady recognition from leading voices in media and film suggests that RIT’s influence is expanding well beyond the academic realm, reaching into the creative and technological heart of Hollywood itself.

Part of what makes RIT’s film school distinctive is its forward-thinking curriculum. Instead of separating art from technology, the program encourages students to fuse the two—blending storytelling with innovation in sound design, digital effects, motion capture, and virtual production. This cross-disciplinary approach mirrors the evolution of modern filmmaking, where creative storytelling increasingly relies on technical expertise.

Figueroa emphasized how this philosophy aligns with the university’s broader mission. “The School of Film and Animation is the perfect example of RIT’s mission to utilize technology, the arts, and design to change the world. Recognitions like this affirm we are on the right track,” he said.

The university also gives students a chance to explore the global landscape of film through immersive experiences. Programs such as RIT in LA, which places students in the heart of the entertainment industry, and the new student exchange initiative with the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU), allow them to step beyond the classroom and develop their craft in real-world and international contexts. These opportunities provide more than just technical training—they cultivate creativity, adaptability, and a maker mentality that RIT has championed for generations.

Read also: Supervisor Leenhouts announces adoption of Penfield’s 2026 budget focusing on community growth infrastructure and public safety investments

That “maker” spirit is visible in the achievements of RIT alumni who have gone on to make substantial contributions to film and media. Among them are Alex Forsythe, senior director of science and technology at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; John Traver, co-founder and creative technologist at Frame.io; and Michael Slovis, an acclaimed cinematographer whose work has defined the visual style of major television productions. Each of these alumni embodies the university’s belief that curiosity, technical skill, and creativity can coexist—and together, they can shape the future of storytelling.

With this year’s placement on TheWrap’s Top 50 Film Schools list, RIT’s School of Film and Animation reinforces its role as a trailblazer in film education. As the industry continues to evolve with the advent of artificial intelligence, digital cinematography, and immersive storytelling, RIT remains firmly at the intersection of art and innovation—preparing its students not just to enter the film world, but to redefine it.

Those interested in exploring the programs and opportunities offered by RIT’s School of Film and Animation can learn more by visiting the school’s official website.