August 14, 2025

FSUFilm Rises in Rankings with New Facility Acquisition

News Summary

Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts has achieved a significant milestone by ranking fourth among public film schools in the U.S. A key factor in this advancement includes acquiring a former theater complex for a dedicated exhibition space. This new venue, set to enhance academic and public cinematic experiences, will feature modern facilities that enrich student training and community engagement. Furthermore, the college’s Master of Fine Arts program is also gaining prominence with its first film premiering at FrightFest in London.

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts (FSUFilm) has achieved a significant milestone by ranking fourth among public film schools in the United States and 14th overall in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 rankings, an improvement from last year’s 17th place. Two key developments have contributed to this advancement: the acquisition of a new facility and the success of the college’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Feature Film Program.

FSUFilm has purchased the former Governor’s Square theater complex, a 43,242-square-foot facility, for approximately $4 million. This marks the first time since its establishment in 1989 that FSUFilm has had a dedicated exhibition space. The newly acquired venue will house the Center for Cinematic Innovation, which will be known as Torchlight Studios, and will relocate from Midway to Tallahassee.

The renovated facility is set to feature four screening theaters, a state-of-the-art post-production area, a dedicated soundstage for the MFA Feature Film Program, a 2,624-square-foot virtual production stage, two professional soundstages, production offices, and maker spaces. This new theater will enhance academic and public cinematic experiences, allowing students ample opportunities for hands-on training and the chance to showcase their work both locally and globally.

MFA Feature Film Program Highlights

As part of its MFA Feature Film Program, FSUFilm offers students the unique opportunity to pitch and direct a fully financed feature film during an optional third year of their studies. The first feature film produced through this program, titled “Noseeums,” a Southern Gothic horror film, is scheduled to premiere at FrightFest in London on August 23.

Cost of Attendance and Community Engagement

In addition to its prestigious ranking, FSUFilm maintains the lowest cost of attendance among top-ranked film schools, encompassing all necessary production equipment and materials in its tuition. Dean Reb Braddock has highlighted the importance of having a dedicated theater for screening purposes and public engagement with cinematic series. This acquisition is poised to foster greater community involvement, with plans for various themed film festivals and screenings aimed at enriching local cultural engagement.

Future Developments and Enhancements

The new facility is expected to provide enhanced resources for graduate programs, particularly in production and visual effects, equipped with the latest technology. Renovations will be underway to ensure that the theater retains its nostalgic charm while modernizing its functionalities for educational purposes. The anticipated completion date for these developments is 2026.

Located near Governor’s Square Mall, the theater aims to bolster visibility and accessibility for both students and community members. As FSUFilm continues to rise in national standings, this acquisition represents a significant step forward in its mission to nurture and showcase talent in the field of filmmaking.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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