Explore the MFA in Film Residency
A closer look at MFA in Film residency and semester work
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 readings. Students, faculty, and visiting writers come together to connect and collaborate.
During residencies, students are paired with faculty advisors for the upcoming semester. The heart of VCFA’s MFA in Film program is expert mentorship, innovative production, and critical assessment. Students work closely with advisors to develop a customized semester study plan to direct and inspire their upcoming work. They set goals and milestones that are both ambitious and achievable, addressing relevant research, development, and production requirements.
In addition to their film community, students are on campus with our five other MFA programs during residency: Graphic Design, Music Composition, Writing, Writing for Children & Young Adults, and Visual Art. Filmmakers will have the opportunity during residency for interdisciplinary conversation, work, and networking.
Upon completion of the two-year program, students will have attended five unique and invigorating residencies that guide their creative work while offering minimal disruption to their professional life and personal schedule.
Semester Work
Mentorship & Individualized Study
Following residency, students return home and devote at least 25 hours per week to their projects, sending work to their faculty advisors monthly and then meeting (via video conference, phone, or in person) to discuss in depth. Our program emphasizes concrete deliverables for each monthly deadline, in the form of works-in-progress and/or finished pieces. A student’s work will also involve readings, film viewings, assignments, and other forms of research and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many classes per semester am I taking?
There are no “classes” in the traditional sense. The curriculum is project-based individualized learning, with all of your academic studies informed by the specific project(s) you choose to undertake. Each semester is 15 credits, and you are expected to devote at least 25 hours per week to your work.
Learn more about our low-residency model.
What is the semester study plan?
Your study plan will serve as your roadmap for the semester’s work. At the start of each semester (towards the end of your residency week, with guidance from your advisor) you will write and submit a semester study plan outlining what work you will be completing for each of the five monthly deliverables and your ultimate semester plans/goals. Based on your individualized project scope, your advisor will suggest areas to concentrate on and books, films, and other resources to help supplement your studies.
Learn more about our low-residency model.
How do students and faculty get paired?
At residency you will be asked to pick your top three faculty choices. Assignments are made based on seniority (fourth-semester students getting first priority), but most students will get one of their top choices. In the rare instances that this is not the case, students should know that all of our faculty are tremendously talented and well versed in all aspects of filmmaking; no matter who you are paired with, we are confident you will have a fruitful and positive experience. At residency there is ample opportunity for informal conversation with faculty and scheduled pitch sessions where you sit down with various faculty members, pitch your project idea, and hear how they can help guide and inform your work.
Meet the Film faculty!
Do I need my own equipment?
Yes. Since we are only on campus for two weeks per year (the residencies are not “making” weeks) and our students are scattered across the globe, you will need the necessary equipment and/or software in order to carry out your semester’s work. The equipment required will vary from student to student depending on their specific projects.
Ready to Apply?
Ready to get started or have questions?
Contact our admissions team today to get started.