Curious about where Belgian cinematic dreams take flight? You’re standing before INRACI – NARAFI. It is more than just a school. INRACI – NARAFI is the cradle of film photography and radio in Belgium.
Let’s rewind to 1939. Visionary Henri Storck founded Belgium’s first film school. It was named Institut de Radio-électricité et de Cinématographie. Nationaal Radio en Film Instituut was its Dutch name. The aim was simple. It was to train skilled technicians for Belgian radio.
Interestingly, INRACI – NARAFI started as a bilingual institution. It catered to both French and Dutch speakers. Over time, Belgium went through federalization. This led to a split. The French and Dutch sections became separate schools. The Dutch-speaking wing evolved into NARAFI. It became part of LUCA School of Arts. The French-speaking side remained INRACI. It became part of the Haute École Libre de Bruxelles Ilya Prigogine.
For many years, INRACI and NARAFI shared buildings. One of these was the Duden Castle in Duden Park. Imagine students collaborating in a castle. In 2013, INRACI moved out. NARAFI now uses the castle fully for its photography, film, television, and video programs.
Today, NARAFI’s main campus is still in Duden Park. Film courses sometimes take place at Besmelaan and Ten Weyngaert. The photography program is exclusively in the Duden Castle.
Since 2016, NARAFI offers a unique work-study program for photography. Students combine practical campus lessons with online theory. This allows them to earn a photography degree while working.
INRACI also has a rich history. It focuses on technical skills and adapting to industry changes. INRACI offers training in electronics, photography and computer science. The school emphasizes critical thinking. It encourages students to be independent and lifelong learners.
INRACI is part of the FELSI network. This makes it a free and non-denominational institution. Many alumni maintain strong social and professional ties. This creates a large family atmosphere.
Did you know that INRACI alumni include famous names? Stromae and Louis Chedid both attended INRACI.
INRACI – NARAFI’s story is one of evolution. It is a story of adapting to change. It remains a vital hub for media arts education in Belgium. From its humble beginnings to its current form, INRACI – NARAFI continues to shape the future of film and photography. It fosters creativity and technical expertise.