Film (BFA)
Film BFA Degree Program
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film degree program at University of the Arts School of Film challenges traditional ideas about how moving images are created, inspired by the work of cutting-edge practitioners in the field, including our own faculty. Among our faculty are an Academy Award–nominated independent filmmaker and award-winning television producer; a narrative filmmaker whose last feature was a New York Times Critic’s Pick; and an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose most recent films were selected for the 2020 and 2021 Sundance Film Festivals. With a student-to-faculty ratio of just 8:1, you’ll have mentoring and individual attention as you develop your creative voice.
An Unmatched, Well-Rounded Education
This four-year Film degree program offers a behind-the-camera experience unlike any other. Our unique, interdisciplinary courses give you the opportunity to collaborate with students across the university, including actors, screenwriters, composers and other student artists. You can also choose to major in one of our unique hybrid majors, such as Film and Animation or Film Design.
We'll Prepare You for This Competitive Industry
There are no limits to the career options you’ll have with a degree in film—our programs are designed to teach you how to reach your individual goals. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film prepares students for careers in film via internships and networking events with alumni and professionals working locally and across the U.S. Our graduates become directors, editors, cinematographers, art directors and photographers, working in the region and around the world. If you’re interested in filmmaking and all that is involved with it, look no further than UArts.
The filmmaking world has been upended in recent years, with indie auteurs being tapped to make Hollywood features and the world of streaming media opening up the possibilities for experimentation in style and form. At UArts, we look for filmmakers who are open to exploration and risk-taking, who want to develop a unique creative vision and collaborate with others trying to do the same. —Film Program Director Mike Attie
Gallery




In October 2021, Blackstar Projects announced that Xenia Matthews BFA ’21 (Film) was one of four filmmakers included in its first Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab cohort. The yearlong fellowship supports and uplifts Black, Brown and Indigenous emerging and midcareer artists. Films they create will premiere at the 2022 BlackStar Film Festival.




Emily Angelucci BFA ’17 (Film) was the lead editor for the premiere episode of the Discovery+ docuseries “The Bond."






University of the Arts Professor and Film Program Director Mike Attie’s recent short documentary, Abortion Helpline, This is Lisa, was shortlisted in the Documentary Short Subject Category for the 93rd Annual Academy Awards. The film was co-directed with Barbara Attie and Janet Goldwater and features the work of numerous UArts students and alumni, including location sound by Courtney Kehr BFA ’19 (Film) and Caitlin Riggsbee BFA ’18 (Film), sound design and score by Timothy Day BM ’99 (Jazz Composition) and poster design by Angela Hanson BFA ’20 (Graphic Design).
The film is set at a Philadelphia abortion helpline, where counselors arrive each morning to the nonstop ring of calls from women and teens who are seeking to end a pregnancy but can’t afford to. In this short documentary, viewers learn how economic stigma and cruel legislation determines who in the U.S. has access to abortion.
The Academy shortlist is one of many recent accolades the project has received since its debut in 2019. The film was chosen from among 9,000 submissions to be screened at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival; was an official selection of the 2019 Philadelphia Film Festival and the 2020 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival; and won the Grand Jury Prize for Short Films at the AFI DOCS Film Festival, a major nonfiction film festival in the U.S.
All this continued momentum serves to support the ultimate goals of the film: to raise awareness about the negative impact of discriminatory policies surrounding abortion—notably, the Hyde Amendment—and highlight the need for reproductive justice.
UArts Film major Skylar Watkins ‘21 just produced and directed a new music video for the band Low Cut Connie. The video is for the song “Charyse”, which is the latest single from the band’s 2020 double album, Private Lives.
Rolling Stone wrote that the video “boasts a moody, late-night feel, but one that seems filled with possibility and mystery. Watkins, who is also a photo minor and a celebrated photographer on the Philly indie music scene, met the lead singer of the band, Adam Weiner, at a photoshoot. The video is one of three music videos that Watkins is completing for her senior film thesis.
Watkins says, “Low Cut Connie gave me a lot of creative freedom in setting up the actual shoots with the models and really trusted my creative vision.” Watkins also worked with a number of current students and grads on the project, including Georgia Wescott ’21 (Photography), Kennedy Shaw ’22 (MBET), Leah Prather BFA ’20 (Film), Gabriela Barbieri BFA ’20 (Fine Arts) and Kimberly Redman BFA ’18 (Theater Design and Technology).









On Saturday, Nov. 3, the University of the Arts Film program celebrated its 50th anniversary with an event called Spotlight on Film. Attendees included alumni from the past 50 years, along with the first class to graduate, the Class of 1968. This is the first University of the Arts reunion for any class in the Film program. The event featured a panel of alumni moderated by Program Director Mike Attie.
Panelists included alumni who span the past 50 years:
Seth Kramer ’96
Kramer is a three-time Emmy nominated documentary filmmaker. He is the co-founder of Ironbound Films, which creates documentaries for theaters, television, museums and the web.
Nadia Hironaka ’97
Hironaka is a filmmaker in Philadelphia. She is currently the Chair of the Film and Video department at The Maryland Institute College of Art. In 2015, Hironaka received the Guggenheim Fellowship.
Miller Drake ’72
Drake is a visual effects editor who has worked in the industry for over 40 years. His work includes films such as The Abyss ‘99, Green Lantern ‘11, The 6th Day ‘00 and Virus ‘99.
Andrew Wheeler ’01
Wheeler is the Director of Photography on feature films, commercials and music videos. He has worked on music videos for Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Childish Gambino and the Netflix series Small Crimes. In 2014 Wheeler was named one of the 'Below the Line All Stars' by Variety magazine.
Vanessa Martino ’14.
Martino is a director, producer and editor. She has worked as the associate producer and editor for the documentary The Rape of Recy Taylor. She is currently a producer at Augusta Films in New York.
The panelists spoke of hardships faced as a professional in the film industry. Hironaka recalled, “I had no grand notions of making a living as an artist…To be a full time artist, it’s pretty hard. That balance of the job and your artmaking is pretty tricky...You have to love making it.” Drake chimed in with his own experience, “I remember everybody said you’re not going to make a living out of being an artist, and this was back in 1972...I remember everybody went out and got ‘regular’ jobs, and it was very hard.”
Panelists also gave advice to students to take advantage of opportunities in Philadelphia. Martino said of her own experiences at the University, “If I didn’t do all the work I did here and really build my resume on set, I don’t know if those jobs (in New York) would have wanted me." She continued, “Don’t take no for an answer. If you have faith that you can do it, any opportunity you have to show your work, do it.”
The night culminated in an announcement of the 2019 Peter Rose Film Award recipient, Kyrie Clemmer ‘20. The Peter Rose Film Award honors the legacy of experimental filmmaker and UArts faculty emeritus Peter Rose, who taught at the University for over 40 years. Rose mentored generations of filmmakers, and according to Attie, Rose described his cinematography class as “introducing different ways of seeing the world.” The award honors a student who encompasses that mission. Clemmer’s work spans documentary, narrative and experimental film; the award will fund the production of their thesis film.
The Film 50th Anniversary was truly a celebration of UArts filmmakers past and present. The event was photographed by current Film student Skylar Watkins ’21.
Curriculum
Whether your medium is animation or digital video and film, the Film bachelor’s degree program is dedicated to helping you bring your ideas to life. You’ll work closely with award-winning faculty and other creative students to develop your skills, understand the rich history of your medium, and express your personal vision as you immerse yourself in a challenging and rewarding career.
At UArts, students have three ways to study film.
The Film major provides you with an environment where traditional ideas about moving images are challenged. You’ll get hands-on instruction with all types of camera equipment and have the opportunity to explore fiction, documentary, experimental and hybrid forms of filmmaking.
The Film + Animation major allows you to take classes in both disciplines to create work that is hybrid in nature, combining animation and film techniques in innovative ways.
The hybrid Film Design major draws from classes in the Theater Design and Technology and Film programs, so you can explore the creative and professional aspects of production design for film including lighting, set design, costumes and props.
About the Film Curriculum
You’ll learn about every aspect of the business from active professional filmmakers, including an Oscar nominee and directors whose work has screened at festivals around the world. You’ll use the same equipment used by professionals, including Black Magic and Canon cameras and a full array of support gear, lights and audio recording tools. Our facilities include multiple editing labs, individual edit suites and a black box studio, but our students often find their inspiration on the streets of Philadelphia, the setting for films like Creed, Glass and Silver Linings Playbook.
In addition to creating your own films, you’ll do an internship, possibly on a film or TV show being shot in our city, or in New York, Los Angeles, or abroad. Students have numerous opportunities to explore the industry outside our city, including a trip to the prestigious Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina, or by enrolling in the Business of Hollywood class that takes students to Los Angeles for a week to meet alumni working in the field.
Film students can take advantage of frequent screening events and seminars with visiting artists. Past guests have included Sam Feder (director of Netflix’s Disclosure), Kirsten Johnson (director of Cameraperson and Dick Johnson is Dead), Isabel Sandoval (writer/director of Lingua Franca) and Ron Yerxa (producer of Nebraska and Little Miss Sunshine).
Graduates of our program earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film. A BFA program offers an intensive, studio-based experience with longer class periods, extensive workshopping from faculty and more film-related course offerings.
Graduates of the Film program will
- Express a developed personal, artistic vision.
- Demonstrate technical and aesthetic proficiency in creating films.
- Acquire professional film skills in a collaborative environment.
- Develop an understanding of professional practices in the field of film.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze various historical and cultural contexts in film.
Sample Courses in the Film Major
Credit Requirements: 120
Major requirements: 63 credits
Discipline history: 12 credits
Critical Studies: 30 credits*
Free electives: 15 credits*
Fall Semester: 15 credits
The Art of Cinema (3c)
Art of Sound (3c)
Video Production (3c)
Thinking Through Science (3c)
Writing I Placement (3c)
Spring Semester: 15 credits
Writing for Film (3c)
Perception of Time (3c)
The Art of Editing (3c)
Writing II Placement (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (3c)
Fall Semester: 15 credits
Film Theory (3c)
Cinematography (3c)
Sound Design (3c)
History of Narrative Cinema I (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Spring Semester: 15 credits
Intro to Documentary (3c)
Color and the Lens OR Interactivity (3c)
History of Narrative Cinema II (3c)
Directing Actors for the Screen (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (3c)
Fall Semester: 15 credits
Junior Production Workshop (3c)
Nonfiction Film Workshop (3c)
World Cinema History (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Spring Semester: 15 credits
Narrative Production (3c)
Experimental Video (3c)
Film Forum: Selected Topics (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Fall Semester: 15 credits
Senior Thesis I (3c)
Writing for Directors or Film Studies course* (3c)
Internship (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (3c)
Spring Semester: 15 credits
Senior Thesis II (3c)
Independent Strategies (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (3c)
Explore the Full Film Curriculum
Faculty Spotlight
In University of the Arts’ Film program, you’ll learn about every aspect of the business from active professional filmmakers, including an Oscar nominee and recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts, Guggenheim and Pew Foundation fellowships, whose work has been screened on PBS, at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and at festivals around the world.
Student Spotlight
Alumni & Careers
Our alumni are employed in a variety of roles in numerous Hollywood films, as well as highly acclaimed TV shows. They work for prestigious companies including Adult Swim, Bravo Network, Cartoon Network, Disney, HBO, Higher Ground Productions, MTV, NBC, NFL Films, Nickelodeon, Nike, Pixar, The Travel Channel, Sony and more. Other graduates freelance their skills, work in production and design firms or manage their own production companies.
Here are a few movies, TV shows, video games, and music videos our alumni have worked on.
Equipment & Facilities
Media Resources
The School of Film’s Media Resources department serves students’ technology needs by lending equipment, managing facilities, providing one-on-one consultation and conducting instruction and training workshops. Students have the opportunity to check out professional production equipment ranging from analog film cameras to the latest digital cinema cameras used on major productions, as well as sound and lighting equipment for all production needs.
Facilities available to students include
- A film studio featuring high-quality projection and surround sound.
- Private recording studio with a dedicated vocal booth for ADR and Foley audio recording.
- Private film editing suites featuring full production software.
- An editing lab with high-quality projection and surround sound.
- Interactive classrooms and computer labs boasting multi-user flat screens and projection systems with dedicated sound.
Center for Immersive Media
UArts’ new Center for Immersive Media is a 5,600-square-foot facility dedicated to exploring the fields of virtual and mixed reality, performance motion-capture, and human-computer interaction.
The space includes
- Optical motion-capture system for full body performance capture and location-based VR applications;
- A four-channel audio system, multiple video projectors and lighting, as well as a control station;
- 16-station computing classroom with PCs optimized for real-time graphics rendering; and
- Two large project rooms with ceiling grids for development of installations and virtual environments.
Lightbox Film Center
Lightbox Film Center is Philadelphia’s premier exhibitor of film and moving image art, delivering enriching programs, screenings and artist talks year-round. Screenings and events are free for UArts students.
How to Apply
UArts offers recommended priority deadlines; students who apply and submit all required materials by the priority deadline will receive first consideration for scholarship aid from UArts. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis.
International students requiring an F-1 visa for study in the U.S. might be subject to earlier deadlines to provide time for completion of the visa process. Contact Admissions for guidance if you are an international student who wishes to apply after the priority deadline.
Spring 2024 priority deadline: Oct. 15, 2023
Fall 2024 priority deadline: Feb. 15, 2024
We cannot accept spring 2024 applications after Jan. 8, 2024, and cannot accept fall 2024 applications after Aug. 16, 2024.
The following materials are required for your application.
Start or resume your application.
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The application includes two required short-answer questions: What excites you about UArts? What inspires you?
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If you qualify for a fee waiver from NACAC, CollegeBoard, UArts or another source, indicate that on your application. If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.
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Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service.
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International transcript requirements
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If you’ve attended high school outside the U.S., read the additional guidelines for international transcripts.
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Transfer student transcript requirements
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High school transcripts may be waived for transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 credits of college-level coursework, including a minimum of 18 academic, non-studio credits.
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Official college transcript(s)
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Official transcripts must be sent directly from all the colleges you have attended by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service.
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If you’ve attended college outside the U.S., you are required to have an official course-by-course evaluation of your college coursework sent to UArts. Additional guidelines for international transcripts are available.
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A portfolio is required for all Art, Design, Film and Writing programs. Your portfolio may be uploaded during the application process or via your applicant status portal after submission. You must confirm when your submission is complete via the linked electronic form before your portfolio can be reviewed for admission.
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Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors are optional and may be submitted by the recommender via email to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu or by your high school through a secure electronic document-delivery service.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Nearly 80% of UArts undergraduate, full-time students are eligible for some type of need-based aid, and 98% of students who are eligible receive financial aid. Additionally, some scholarship opportunities take need-based criteria into account.
All students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and are enrolled in a degree program are encouraged to apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
About the School of Film
University of the Arts’ School of Film strongly believes in creative collaboration, self-expression and professional preparation through its programs in Animation, Film, Film and Animation, Film Design, Game Art, and Screenwriting.
It also offers minors in
- Animation,
- Film,
- Film and Media Studies,
- Game Art, and
- Screenwriting.
The School of Film prepares students for careers in the film and entertainment industries via internships, networking events and an on-campus series with professional alumni. Our graduates become directors, editors, animators, game artists, cinematographers, art directors and screenwriters, working in the region and around the world.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Film BFA program
A Film degree is a great way to open yourself up to the many different positions and career paths in the field of entertainment. You can work as a film director, cinematographer or film editor. Additionally, this program will provide an effective background for related positions like screenwriter, producer or production assistant.
Though there is no specific degree requirement to become a film director, many aspiring directors pursue a Bachelor’s degree in film studies, film production or a related field to gain a solid understanding of the art and craft of filmmaking. However, practical experience, networking and building a strong portfolio of work are equally important for aspiring film directors.
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