The National University of Theatre and Film “Ion Luca Caragiale” in Bucharest, known simply as UNATC, is today the leading institution for training artists in theatre, film, and performing arts in Romania. With a history dating back to 1834, it is a place where tradition meets innovation, and artistic education evolves in step with the cultural and technological changes of the world.

Historical roots

The first forms of theatrical education appeared with the Philharmonic School of music, declamation, and literature, founded in 1834 – an institution that, at a time when Romanian theatre was still in its infancy, laid the foundations of a recognized and studied profession. The move towards a university-level structure came much later, after the 1948 education reform, when the Faculty of Directing was created within the Romanian Art Institute.

From separate institutes to a unified framework

In 1950, the “I.L. Caragiale” Theatre Institute and the Film Institute were established separately. Four years later, they merged to form the Theatre and Film Institute (IATC) “I.L. Caragiale”.

After 1990, the institution underwent extensive modernization and profile expansion, becoming the Academy of Theatre and Film. In 1998, it was granted the name University of Theatre and Film, and three years later, in 2001, it became what we know today: the National University of Theatre and Film “Ion Luca Caragiale”, the only public university in Romania specialized exclusively in performing arts and cinematography. The university’s anniversary is celebrated annually on January 30, in honor of the playwright whose name it bears.

Faculties and programs

The academic structure is divided into two main faculties: Theatre and Film.

• The Faculty of Theatre trains students in Acting, Puppetry-Marionettes, Directing, Choreography, Scenography, and Theatre Studies.
• The Faculty of Film offers specializations in Film and TV Directing, Cinematography, Sound, Editing, Animation and Interactivity, Audiovisual Communication, and Screenwriting.

The offer is complemented by master’s programs in directing, cinematography, sound, animated film, screenwriting, and game design, as well as a unique doctoral school in Romania, with two research directions: Theatre and Performing Arts and Cinematography and Media.

Resources and infrastructure

The main campus, located on Matei Voievod Street, houses performance halls (Ion Cojar, Atelier, and Ion Sava), rehearsal spaces, film and television studios, editing and animation labs, and a specialized library. Technical resources meet professional industry standards, allowing students to work in conditions close to those of real productions.

International connections and recognition

UNATC is an active member of international networks – ELIA for performing arts and CILECT or GEECT for film – and collaborates regularly with academic institutions and festivals worldwide. Its graduates are present in theatres, studios, and international festivals, reinforcing the school’s reputation as the main talent incubator in the field.

Mission and identity

Today, UNATC is more than a university: it is a creative laboratory where successive generations of artists learn to discover their voice, master their craft, and carry forward the tradition of Romanian theatre and cinematography. It is a place where art becomes a profession, and the profession becomes a personal expression.