Chicago comedy film school graduates first class

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Harold Ramis Film School at Chicago's Second City celebrated its first graduating class on Sunday.

Trevor Albert, chair of Harold Ramis Film School, said no other school in the world focused on comedy filmmaking.

The first-of-its-kind school is named after Ramis, a Chicago native who is famous for acting in "Ghostbusters," co-writing "Groundhog Day" and directing "Caddyshack."

"He was the smartest most nurturing individual. It's no accident we named a school after him," said Andrew Alexander, owner of Second City.

On Sunday, the class of 15 talented graduates said it's bittersweet to be moving on from the unprecedented program.

"It was an incubator of creativity. Meeting all these fantastic people. I couldn't have asked for a better education," said graduate Dania Khan.

"I definitely want to still be a director and writer and make as many films as I can," graduate Diona Okumbo said.

It fitting that the first film school that focuses on comedy is in Chicago because this is where improvisational theater was invented -- and improv is a huge part of the curriculum.