From Roommates to Oscar History: What the Sinners Case Teaches About Studying Film: ECPV

From Roommates to Oscar History: What the Sinners Case Teaches About Studying Film

The nominations for the 2026 Academy Awards have delivered a historic headline: Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and with music by Ludwig Göransson, has become the most nominated film of all time. This achievement confirms the artistic maturity of a creative duo that has been shaping contemporary cinema for years.

But before the awards, big budgets, and red carpets, there was something much simpler: two film students who met during their studies, shared a room, and started creating together without knowing how far their collaboration would go.

Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Göransson: A Story That Begins Studying Film

Ryan Coogler is today one of the most influential directors of his generation, responsible for titles such as Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther. Ludwig Göransson, on the other hand, is an Oscar-winning composer and author of some of the most recognizable soundtracks of recent cinema.

What many don't know is that their professional relationship was born during their training. They shared space, ideas, references, and projects while they were still learning the craft. That creative coexistence shaped a way of working based on trust, experimentation, and learning from mistakes—something that remains present in all their films.

Their case shows that studying film is not just about acquiring technical knowledge, but about surrounding yourself with people with whom you grow, make mistakes, and learn by doing.

The Value of the Environment When You Decide to Train in Audiovisual Arts

Stories like Coogler and Göransson’s highlight a reality that many students discover when taking the leap: the environment matters. Not just the school, but the city, the people, and the opportunities that arise around it.

That’s why every year, students who initially considered studying film in Cantabria, Burgos, or La Rioja end up considering options outside their region. Finding a place where learning is practical, close-knit, and connected to the industry's reality becomes a priority.

In this context, Bilbao and the Basque Country have become one of the audiovisual hubs in the north, with constant shoots, active production companies, and a cultural life that permeates the classrooms.

Studying Film in Bilbao: A Decision That Goes Beyond Theory

At the Basque Country Film School, we welcome students from all over Spain: from nearby regions like Cantabria, Burgos, La Rioja, and Navarra, to those coming from Madrid, Barcelona, Galicia, Andalusia, or Murcia. Many agree on one thing: they were looking for training where they could start filming from day one and learn through practice.

Bilbao is not Madrid or Barcelona, and that works to your advantage. It is an accessible city, with short distances, a more affordable cost of living, and a creative ecosystem where it’s easier to get involved in real projects without feeling like just another face in the crowd.

Here, studying film means making films. Trying, failing, shooting again, and growing together.

Changing Cities Also Becomes Part of the Learning Process

For those coming from farther away, the change of environment often becomes a creative boost. Breaking the routine, sharing space with people from different places, and focusing on intensive training helps to experience film with greater commitment.

It’s no coincidence that many lasting collaborations—like Coogler and Göransson’s—are born precisely in this phase. The school becomes the starting point, but the relationships and projects that arise around it are what ultimately shape the path.

Beyond the Awards: Learning Film from the Inside

Sinners is today a historic film due to its nominations, but its true value lies in reminding us that everything starts much earlier. It begins when you decide to train, surround yourself with other perspectives, and choose a place where creating truly matters.

That’s why every year, at the Basque Country Film School, we continue to welcome students from all over Spain who decide to come to Bilbao to learn film from within, with practical training connected to the audiovisual industry’s reality.

Enrollment Open

Enrollment is now open. If you are considering studying film in Bilbao or moving to the Basque Country from another region, you can enroll directly or contact us without obligation to resolve any questions about the training or enrollment process.

Available programs:
Directing · Cinematography · Screenwriting · Acting · Editing and Sound · Executive Production · Costume Design · Dubbing · Film Studies