MFA in Film

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About

We launched the MFA in Film in 2013, in response to a changing film industry and the need for artists to revolutionize the ways motion pictures are created and experienced.

Key Information

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Who is it for?

How will your practice develop?

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The mentors will meet you at whatever part of your filmmaking journey you're at.

Maryam Fatima "Ara" Chawdhury | Film '23

Program Work

Our award-winning students, faculty, and alumnx push boundaries, break new ground and further cultural conversation with their work. Prepare to be inspired.

Explore the work

Residency

Experience VCFA’s low-residency model VCFA’s academic calendar is divided into two semesters per year: a summer and winter semester respectively. Each semester begins with a nine-day residency that provides a vibrant whirlwind of workshops, lectures, panels, discussions, and screenings. Students, faculty, and visiting filmmakers come together to connect and collaborate.

What is Low Residency?

Mentorship & Individualized Study

Post-residency, students return home to embark on the semester’s faculty-guided independent study project, putting in at least 25 hours a week. Students stay in close contact with their advisors, who review their work monthly and provide individualized feedback.

Explore Film Residency

Virtual Information Sessions

Join us to learn more about our low residency MFA programs and the application process. Each session will cover an overview of VCFA programs, low-residency model, the application process and more. Click below to learn more.

VCFA INFORMATION SESSIONS

Ekwa Msangi

Faculty, MFA in Film

Damon Davis

Faculty, MFA in Film

Marya Cohn

Faculty Chair, MFA in Film

Tomás Gómez Bustillo

Visiting Faculty, MFA in Film

Emillie Upczak

Visiting Faculty, MFA in Film

Daphne McWilliams

Visiting Faculty, MFA in Film

Program Faculty

Our Film faculty members are not only award-winning filmmakers, but also accomplished presenters who have showcased their work around the globe. Discover more about their incredible accomplishments and expertise.

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Tim Kirkman

Visiting Filmmaker, MFA in Film

Joshua Pearson

Visiting Filmmaker

Jeff Malmberg

Visiting Filmmaker

Till Schauder

Founding Faculty

Ryan Trecartin

Visiting Filmmaker

Andrew Bujalski

Visiting Filmmaker, MFA in Film

Visiting Filmmakers

Each residency features a new group of distinguished visiting faculty and artists–learn more about them here.

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MFA in Film Past Faculty and on Extended Leave

I grew enormously as a filmmaker at VCFA. The residencies are intense in the best way. Between the faculty and guest artists, the amount of expertise assembled during those weeks is incredible.

Jeff Bemiss | 2019

VCFA Stories

Our students, alumnx and faculty inspire us every day with their exhibitions, publications, screenings, performances and teachings, bringing the magic of VCFA out into the world. Discover the amazing work of our Film community.

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FACULTY STORY: Daphne McWilliams

Art has been a home for Daphne McWilliams for her entire life—literally. McWilliams was on a set running scenes as a child actor before she’d...

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ALUMNX NEWS: Emilie McDonald (F ‘24) High Scribe Screenwriting Award

In March of 2024, VCFA MFA in Film alumnx Emilie McDonald (F ‘24) was honored with the High Scribe Screenwriting Award at the 2024 Sun...

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FACULTY NEWS: Damon Davis Recognized by CBS for Social Justice Work

Damon Davis (F ’20) is an award-winning, post-disciplinary artist based in St. Louis, Missouri, and a 2020 VCFA MFA in Film alumnx and current Film...

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Hafid Abdelmoula, 2019 MFA in Film

VCFA interviewed MFA in Film alumnx Hafid Abdelmoula (F ’19) about his award-winning film, BROKEN GAIETE, and his time at VCFA for the 2023 edition...

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Ready to Apply?

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Our Admissions team is ready to help you begin your journey! Connect with us at our [email protected] to get started or click the link below to get started.

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