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California Institute of the Arts

Welcome to the School of Film/Video

One of the world’s foremost places for the study and practice of the art of the moving image as a personal, evolving, and innovative art form. Our programs are as rich as they are varied, and an unrivaled experience awaits all creators who see filmmaking as more than a mere mode of production, but as a calling.

  • 100% of our faculty

    are working artists, filmmakers, and technicians

  • 8:1 student-faculty ratio

    in the School of Film/Video

  • #1 animation school in the U.S.

The School of Film/Video supports a full array of moving image/sound approaches with the overall goal of fostering “total film/video-maker artists.” 

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The richness of the experience is predicated upon a body of motivated, intellectually curious students ready to find new forms and expressions, coupled with an outstanding faculty of professional artists and technicians who share their artistry and knowledge with passion and generosity. The stimulating curriculum allows every student to expand their cultural experience and, in the process, develop into a better artist, with a well-informed, highly articulated personal vision.

Students work in all modes of moving image and sound based artwork, including story- and character-based work in live-action and animated cinema; essayistic, sociopolitical and observational documentary projects in live-action, animation, installation, and hybrid forms; and poetic, lyrical, structural, and other modes of experimentation with the materials and forms of the moving image.

BFA Programs

With small class sizes, dedicated mentorship, and an open-ended, experience-based approach, our BFA programs in the School of Film/Video at CalArts provide the inspiration and support you need to bring your creative visions to life from day one.

MFA Programs

Rigorous critique, dynamic discourse, and cross-genre collaboration are hallmarks of the graduate programs at CalArts, where you’ll build the network and develop an individual practice to sustain your life’s work.

Student Showcase 2024

Student films

A juried selection of special screenings that feature new short and feature-length films by BFA and MFA students in Film/Video’s programs—a diverse collection of innovative cinematic works and a culmination of hard work and dedication throughout the year.

2024 Film Video Showcase graphic

Theaters, labs, studios, and production spaces

Facilities

Students in our Film/Video programs utilize a range of campus spaces to cultivate their personal vision and collaborative projects. 

A small theater with every seat filled with a panel of speakers on stage

Film/Video news

See more CalArts news from 24700

Interested in applying to the School of Film/Video?

View our step-by-step application guide to learn more.

Start your application