A person stands next to a large light on a film set.

M.F.A. in Film: Think Globally, Create Fearlessly

The master of fine arts (M.F.A.) program in film integrates film production with the conceptual and critical study of the medium. Our program's emphasis on international cinema, world film history and global perspectives sets us apart. Through international programs, visiting artists from around the world and a curriculum that spans continents and cultures, you'll develop a sophisticated understanding of film as a global medium.

What else makes our program stand out?

Small cohort, personalized experience: Our highly selective program ensures you receive individualized mentorship from faculty who are practicing filmmakers.
Financial support: Every admitted M.F.A. student receives financial support ranging from 20% to 100% of tuition, with the vast majority serving as teaching assistants or classroom facilitators.
Professional-grade facilities and emerging technologies: Our facilities and curriculum keep pace with industry evolution. Work with professional digital cinema cameras, lenses, analog cameras and state-of-the-art editing suites. Enjoy broadcast-grade color-grading facilities and cutting-edge AI courses in VFX, audio post-production and filmmaking.
Funding to make it happen: We back your creative vision with extraordinary competitive funding opportunities at the department, college, and University levels, contributing thousands of dollars to new film projects every year.
Three years to find your vision: Our three-year residency program provides the time and space you need to develop, experiment and ultimately discover your authentic voice as a filmmaker.

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Film Students Bring the Future to Life

M.F.A. film student Alex Cao and crew just wrapped production on a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that pushed the boundaries of what's possible in independent filmmaking. They took over the green screen room and used real-time Unreal Engine 5 visuals, motion capture and Blender— meaning they didn't just imagine the sci-fi world, they lived in it on set! Every department—from directing to cinematography—collaborated in real-time, making instant creative decisions and bold artistic choices that would be impossible with conventional post-production.

This film received funding support from the College of Visual and Performing Arts' Department of Film and Media Arts, home of the film M.F.A. program.

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