According to one embodiment, a film forming apparatus includes a process chamber, a placement portion, a susceptor, a cover, a gas source, a heater, and a support portion. The placement portion is provided inside the process chamber. The susceptor is held in an end portion of the placement portion and is capable of placing a substrate. The cover is capable of being placed facing the susceptor inside the process chamber. The gas source is capable of supplying a process gas between the cover and the substrate. The heater is capable of heating the substrate. The support portion is provided inside the process chamber and is capable of supporting the cover at a first position above the susceptor and is capable of separating the cover at a second position which is different from the first position.