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Alberta Film School
Serving Calgary Students

Calgary's Closest Photo & Video School.

Alberta Film School is Edmonton-based — just 2.5 hours up the QE2 from Calgary. No dedicated photo/video school exists in Calgary. Our students from Calgary, Red Deer, and Airdrie say the drive is worth every kilometre.

2.5 hrs from Calgary
Max 16 Students
8-Week Programs
5.0 Google Rating
Next Intake: June 2, 2026
Why Calgary Students Choose Alberta Film School Edmonton

Worth Every Kilometre From Calgary to Edmonton

There is no dedicated photo and video school in Calgary. AFS is the closest — and the best — option for serious creatives in southern Alberta.

Alberta's Only Dedicated Film School

We teach photo and video exclusively — not a side program at a university. Every dollar, every hour, every resource goes into making you a better creative.

Max 16 Students Per Class

Your instructor knows your name, your work, and your goals. You get real feedback on YOUR projects — not generic advice for a lecture hall of 200.

Graduate With a Portfolio, Not Just a Certificate

You'll leave with a showreel or portfolio of real work — shot for real clients, under real deadlines. That's what gets you hired.

500+ Graduates, 5.0 Google Rating

Our graduates work across Alberta and beyond. Over 100 five-star Google reviews from students who started exactly where you are now.

Just 2.5 Hours From Calgary

A straight shot up the QE2. Many of our students commute from Red Deer, Airdrie, and Calgary. The drive is worth it — ask any of them.

Day or Evening Classes Available

Day classes run 10am–4pm, evening classes 5–9pm. Choose the schedule that works for your life — many students work full-time while enrolled.

Our Programs

Choose Your Photography or Video Path

8 Weeks

Video Production Program

Master cinematography, lighting, audio, gimbal work, and Adobe Premiere Pro. Graduate with a professional showreel and real client work.

View Video Program
8 Weeks

Photography Program

Learn the exposure triangle, studio lighting, composition, posing, and Lightroom/Photoshop. Includes our signature Portfolio Week.

View Photo Program
16 Weeks

Full Program (Video + Photo)

The complete creative education. Master both video and photography — double the skills, double the career opportunities.

View Full Program
500+
Graduates
5.0
Google Rating
16
Max Class Size
100+
Five-Star Reviews
The Commute

Calgary to Edmonton:
Easier Than You Think

Straight shot up the QE2 — 2.5 hours, no stops needed
Many students commute from Calgary, Red Deer, and Airdrie
Evening classes (5–9pm) let you drive up after work
Some students stay in Edmonton weekdays and go home weekends
Carpooling groups form naturally among AFS students
The investment in your creative career pays for itself
Students learning at Alberta Film School

"I drove from Calgary every day for 8 weeks. Best decision I ever made for my career."

— AFS Graduate
Not Sure Yet?

Try Our Free Camera Basics Class in Edmonton

Not ready to commit? Come to our free 1.5-hour Camera Basics class first. Learn the exposure triangle, meet the instructors, and see if AFS is the right fit — no strings attached.

Book Free Class
FAQ

FAQ From Calgary Students About Alberta Film School

Absolutely. Many of our current and past students commute from Calgary, Red Deer, and Airdrie. The QE2 is a straight 2.5-hour drive, and the quality of hands-on training you get at AFS is something you won't find in Calgary. Several students have told us the commute was the best decision they made for their creative career.
Calgary has some general arts programs and weekend workshops, but there is no dedicated photo and video school like AFS. Most Calgary options are part of larger institutions where film is a small department. AFS is 100% focused on photo and video — that's all we do, and we do it better than anyone in Alberta.
Our programs run 5 days a week for 8 weeks (or 16 for the Full Program). Day classes are 10am–4pm, evening classes are 5–9pm. Some Calgary students choose evening classes so they can drive up after work. We also have students who stay in Edmonton during the week and go home on weekends.
No. We provide cameras and equipment during class. If you have your own gear, you're welcome to bring it. We'll teach you how to use it properly regardless of what brand or model you have.
Our graduates work as freelance photographers, videographers, content creators, wedding shooters, real estate media producers, corporate video producers, and more. Many start getting paid clients before they even finish the program thanks to our field placement system.
Yes! We offer a free Camera Basics class where you can experience our teaching style, meet the instructors, and learn the fundamentals of exposure — all in 1.5 hours. It's the best way to see if AFS is right for you before committing.
Contact us directly for current pricing and payment plan options. We offer flexible payment plans to make the program accessible. We do not offer government student loans, but we work with every student to find a plan that fits their budget.

Ready to Start at Alberta Film School?

Calgary doesn't have a dedicated film school. Edmonton does. Make the drive — your creative career will thank you.