Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film Georgia State University (TAFU) is Georgia’s leading higher education institution dedicated to theatre, film, and related arts. Its tradition of professional artistic education dates back to the late 18th century, with formal institutional foundations established in the early 20th century through the creation of drama studios and the Institute of Performing Arts.
The University played a crucial role in shaping Georgian theatre and cinema and has significantly influenced cultural development across the Caucasus region. Throughout its history, it has trained generations of actors, directors, filmmakers, and scholars, many of whom became key figures in national and international theatre and film. In 2002, the institution gained university status, and in 2006 it merged with the Ekvtime Takaishvili State University of Culture and Arts.
Today, the university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programmes in drama, film, television, musical theatre, puppetry, pantomime, cinematography, theatre and film criticism, art history, choreography, cultural management, media, and related disciplines. The University is organized into faculties of Drama, Film and Television, Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, and Georgian Folk Music and Dance.
The University maintains an active international profile, with students and graduates regularly receiving awards at major theatre and film festivals. It serves as an important educational and cultural hub for Georgia and the wider region, maintaining strong creative and academic partnerships with institutions worldwide.