The ifs internationale filmschule köln is a full study and further education institution with an artistic-scientific focus serving aspiring media professionals. On the initiative of the NRW state government and the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW the school was founded in 2000 as a non-profit company, the Film- und Medienstiftung being the sole principal partner of the ifs. The ifs is consistantly ranked as one of the best film schools in Germany, based on its outstanding student support, excellent teaching and project work, and active festival participation, including a Student Academy Award in 2012 as a crowning so far. The ifs’ portfolio covers Bachelor’s programs in Screenwriting, Directing, Creative Producing, Director of Photography, Editing Picture & Sound, VFX & Animation, and Production Design, as well as international Master’s programs in Serial Storytelling, Digital Narratives, and 3D Animation for Film & Games. The study programs are carried out in cooperation with the TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences. The ifs is currently developing new master’s programs. In addition, there are several further education programs for media professionals ranging from Costume Design to Masterclass Non-Fiction.