Film Studies

The Film Studies program at the University of Victoria offers students an in-depth exploration of the history, theory, and practice of cinema from around the world. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of film as an art form and cultural phenomenon, the program prepares students for diverse careers in the film industry, media production, education, and related fields. Throughout the coursework, students engage with various genres, styles, and movements in film, examining their social, political, and aesthetic contexts. The program emphasizes both theoretical analysis and practical application, encouraging students to critically analyze films while also exploring opportunities for hands-on experience in filmmaking, screenwriting, and production techniques.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including editing suites, screening rooms, and digital lab equipment, supporting their creative endeavors. The curriculum covers key areas such as film history, critique, aesthetics, screenwriting, directing, and the cultural impacts of cinema. Workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects are integral components of the program, fostering a vibrant learning community where students can refine their skills and develop professional networks. Furthermore, the program offers opportunities for internships, research projects, and participation in film festivals, enhancing employability and real-world experience. Graduates of the Film Studies program at the University of Victoria are well-equipped to pursue careers in filmmaking, media production, film criticism, education, and other related fields, contributing to the evolving landscape of global cinema and media arts.

• Anthropology and Film and Video
• Gender, Identity and Film
• Bollywood Bound: Popular Visual Culture in India, 1950s to the Present
• Bollywood Global: Popular Visual Culture in the Indian Diaspora, 1980s to the Present
• The Cinema and Modern Art Movements
• Documentary Film
• Experimental Film
• History in Cinema
• Popular Film and Cultural Theory
• Hollywood Genres
• Horror Cinema
• Canadian Film
• Seminar in Film Studies
• Studies in Film and Literature
• American Film to 1945
• American Film Since 1945
• Narrative Film to 1945: Rhetoric and Contex
• Narrative Film since 1945: Rhetoric and Context
• Theory and Practice of Film and Video Direction
• Topics in Cinema and Literature of the French speaking World (in English)
• Indigenous Cinema: De-colonizing the Screen
• Queer Film
• Topics in Film, Literature and Cultural Production
• A Short History of German Film
• The New German Cinema
• Recent Film
• Literature and Film of the Holocaust and “Third Reich”
• Major Filmmakers
• After-Images of the Holocaust in Text and Film
• A Cultural History of Vampires in Literature and Film
• Eastern Europe Through Western Eyes
• Russian Culture, Literature, Film (in Russian)
• Cold War on Film
• Stalinist Cinema
• Italian Film
• Introduction to Film Scoring and Sound Design
• Topics in Contemporary Chinese Cinema
• Screening the Nation: Nationalism, Ideology, and Politics in Chinese Cinema
• Southeast Asian Cinema
• Humanism in Japanese Cinema to 1960
• Asian Horror Cinema
• Identity in Animated Japanese Cinema
• Trends in Japanese Cinema, 1960 to Present
• Spanish Film
• Latin American Film
• Narrative and Mythic Structure in Film Writing
• Structure in Cinema and Television Drama
• Film Writing and Production Workshop
• Digital Media for Storytellers
• International Film Writing
• Media and Culture
• Recurrent Themes in Film
• Film Writing and Production Workshop

Requirements

• Twelve years or more of academic preparation and graduation from a recognized senior secondary school or completion of a recognized diploma program. University entrance examinations offered in the home country may also be required.
• Attestat o srednem obrazovanii (at Grade 11)
• IELTS: International English Language Testing System - 6.5, with no individual component less than 6.0
• TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - 90 on the online test or 575 on the paper-based test, with no section less than 20
  (UVic's TOEFL institution code is 0989)

Scholarships

• Entrance scholarships
• Bursaries
• Work study program

The University of Victoria offers a comprehensive Film Studies program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the history, theory, and practice of film and media. The program emphasizes critical analysis, technical skills, and a deep appreciation for visual storytelling across diverse genres and cultures. Students have the opportunity to explore various aspects of cinema, including film history, criticism, production, and digital media. The curriculum incorporates coursework in film theory, narrative construction, cinematography, editing, and sound design, equipping graduates with a versatile skill set applicable to careers in filmmaking, media production, film criticism, and academia.

The program often includes access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as editing suites and production studios, allowing students hands-on experience in film creation and post-production processes. Additionally, students may participate in film festivals, producer workshops, and internships that foster industry connections and practical expertise. The university encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies to enrich students' understanding of film as a reflection of societal and cultural dynamics.

Faculty members are experienced scholars and practitioners who guide students through individual and group projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The program prepares students for graduate studies or entry into the creative media industry. Graduates of the Film Studies program at the University of Victoria often find employment in various sectors, including film production, television, digital media, entertainment journalism, and academic research. The program's commitment to experiential learning and critical engagement aims to develop well-rounded graduates capable of contributing creatively and analytically to the evolving landscape of visual media.