FAMU is an integral part of the academy of performing arts, which has been founded after the world war 2nd in 1947. It is one of the oldest film schools in Europe, which kept its tradition even during the difficult time of communist regime.

FAMU is one of three parts of the academy of performing arts in Prague. The other schools are the theatre school and the music school. The school is divided into 9 departments: still photography, directing, documentary, scriptwriting, cinematography, sound design, animation, producing, and a recent interdisciplinary department - the Center of Audiovisual Studies. Integral part of the school is the FAMU studio, providing complete professional facilities from digital betacam to 35mm film for student’s work.

Internationally known filmmakers and scriptwriters are among the graduates from the school, Milos Forman being the most known of them. Also, most of the people working in the local film and TV industry either in artistic or production positions, as well as still-photographers in various media are graduates from the school.

About 350 students in BC, MG and PHD study programs plus 80 international students are taking special study, stays or a practical course, every year at FAMU.