Filmmaking

Undergraduate Major

Undergraduate Minor

Conservatory for the Performing Arts

The world needs more creatives like you making films.

Filmmaking is a dynamic creative process that blends artistry with a multitude of learnable skills, from storytelling and cinematography to editing and sound design. It demands not only hard work and determination but also a deep commitment to collaboration, as it takes a dedicated team to transform a vision into a quality film.

Through a passion for film and teamwork, Stephens’ Filmmaking program provides the essential tools to bring your stories to life. We hope you will join us.

Program Features

Begin working with professional film equipment your first semester on campus.
Work alongside industry professionals during the Stephens Film Institute — a week-long production at the end of the spring semester.
Continue writing, producing and directing original films throughout your career at Stephens.
Graduate with a body of work that has been screened to a professional jury and at community events.
Get support in submitting your work to outside film festivals.

Stephens Film Institute

This intensive summer experience brings together Filmmaking students, professional guest filmmakers and filmmaking faculty to produce, shoot and edit a film together.

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Valuable Film Production Experience

Our students actively produce films throughout their time at Stephens.

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What Sets Us Apart

Our filmmakers learn by doing. You will be immersed in filmmaking gear and begin making films your first semester.
We have two large soundstage studios. Rain or shine, we are making films year-round.
Access to a screening room to see your work on the big screen anytime you like.
Technology: Students have free access to a full range of filmmaking equipment maintained by the film program faculty and library staff.
Columbia’s annual documentary film festival, True/False, is an integral part of spring semester film courses. Stephens students get behind-the-scenes experience by serving as festival volunteers.
Columbia’s strong local arts community includes Ragtag Cinema, a few short blocks from the Stephens campus.
Our students attend regular masterclasses with visiting industry professionals.