Tag Archives: international students

The Power of Effective Storytelling

Audiences all over the world are becoming more interested in watching foreign films and TV series. With that in mind, we ask: What’s the power of effective storytelling?

In September of 2021, we saw Netflix’s South Korean series Squid Game become the number one streaming show on the platform with season two already in the works. 

There’s a general increase of interest in international foreign films for all ages. To name a few: Parasite, Spirited Away, Ponyo, and Earwig and the Witch from Studio Ghibli. 

Is meaningful storytelling more important than a language barrier? 

At Digital Film Academy, we believe in the power of storytelling. Our goal is to give you all of the tools necessary to succeed in film and media. We empower you to become your own production company, fulfilling your own goals and working towards your dreams. 

At DFA you will learn Cinematography, Editing, and New Media Technologies, to mention a few of the classes. With the help of your instructors, you will look at film work of the past to build the foundation for your successful future.

We are proud to have many international students join us for our film and media programs. DFA is approved to issue I-20s to international students. 

Conveniently, we have locations in New York and Atlanta. With hybrid classes you will be able to attend at either of our campuses or online anywhere in the world. 

For more information about international student experiences at DFA, check out this video: https://youtu.be/Aa5b6sz5pO0

Are you interested in checking out some international films? Take a look at these recommendations from Digital Film Academy!

  1. AI Love You, a Thai Film by former DFA student, Stephan Zlotescu:
  1. Manta Ray by Former DFA student, Phuttiphong Aroonpheng:
manta ray poster - the power of effective storytelling



Instagram            Twitter            Facebook            YouTube            DFA Blog

DFA Goes Brazilian!

When she was first considering film schools and living in Brazil, Carol Mazzoni did an internet search to discover which school might be best for her. Her main considerations were cost (number one) and location (number two).

It wasn’t long before she landed on the Digital Film Academy (homepage). Given the low cost and Times Square address, she knew she’d found a perfect fit.

Times Square, New York City - a center for film.
Times Square, New York City – a center for film.

Now, she’s also an employee at the DFA, managing the school’s Social Media and working on International Outreach. Additionally, she’s completed a variety of film projects, from short films destined for the festival circuit to web series she’s collaborating on with fellow DFA alums.

Mazzoni’s story is a common one at the DFA. The school boasts a large number of international students who’ve come to the US to pursue their dreams. For this reason, they are branching out by attending their first-ever student-based recruitment fair in Brazil in the second half of March 2014.

Salão do Estudante in Brazil
Salão do Estudante in Brazil

The Salão do Estudante, run by BMI, is one of the most active student recruitment fairs in the world, with 200,000 students coming through the fair in four days. Additionally, in days when the fair isn’t running, the DFA will meet with numerous agencies that work to partner students with the perfect program for their needs.

Patrick DiRenna at the fair.
Patrick DiRenna at the fair.

Mazzoni will be attending the fair along with DFA President Patrick DiRenna. Between agency meetings, meetings with prospective students, and the fair itself, the event will take them to several Brazilian cities over the course of two and a half weeks.

“It’ll be exciting to talk with the crowd and hear more about what international students are looking for,” Mazzoni says. “I can’t wait.”

By Digital Film Academy Blog Manager Sara McDermott Jain

Return to blog homepage.


® GI Bill® Is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill