The Hollywood Reporter recognized Biola University’s Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts as a top film school in the United States. In light of the industry’s increasing concerns over artificial intelligence, the publication names Biola as one of 25-plus schools that are “rising to the task” of incorporating the emerging technology into their curriculums — “Best Film Schools in the U.S.”

Schools selected for the list are commended for their awareness of being “tasked with the difficult job of training for an industry with an uncertain future.”

The Hollywood Reporter also highlights the new studio facility opening in 2026 that will expand Biola’s existing production facilities with high-end features such as a 3,000-foot soundstage, color-grading suites and a game-design lab.

“The building has been envisioned to accommodate the incredible rate of growth that we have” said Halleen.” “The Snyder School is also working in partnership with the recently announced AI lab within our Crowell School of Business.”

The groundbreaking of the new building took place on September 6, 2024, featuring special guest Lynsi Synder-Ellingson, owner of In-N-Out Burger and granddaughter of Esther L. Synder, the school’s namesake. Her generous donation made the new three-story, 45,463 square-foot studio facility possible. Set to be completed in 2026, the studio will include a 3,000-square-foot soundstage, 285-seat theater, collaborative editing spaces, specialized classrooms and many more.

“We celebrate not just a building, but more importantly, what’s inside that building and what comes out from it: and that’s people of character; that’s voices of faith,” said Halleen.

This accolade from The Hollywood Reporter is one of many rankings by other notable publications such as Variety and U.S. News.

Learn more about Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts and apply now.


Written by Katelyn Ho, strategic communications assistant. For more information, contact Media Relations at media.relations@biola.edu.