A film separation system for use in separating a removable film adhered to a ply of material positioned on a work surface. The film separation system includes a holding member configured to hold the ply of material on the work surface, a movable arm configured to translate relative to the work surface, and a rotatable brush coupled to the movable arm. The movable arm is configured to translate the rotatable brush towards an edge of the ply of material, and the rotatable brush is oriented relative to the ply of material such that, when rotated, the rotatable brush is configured to bias the removable film away from the work surface, thereby creating a region of separation between the ply and the removable film.