Film
The film studies program balances instruction in creating films and videos with courses in film history, aesthetics, and cultural criticism. We offer numerous hands-on opportunities on and off campus for you to put into practice what you’ve learned.
Tracks
Film Studies
Hollins provides one of the most extensive film studies programs in Virginia. Explore classic Hollywood cinema, experimental cinema, and world cinema. An array of courses examines the films of individual directors, such as Ingmar Bergman or Alfred Hitchcock. Visiting scholars and filmmakers supplement the curriculum and screen their work at Hollins.
Film/Digital Production
The Hollins Film Department offers an inclusive approach to filmmaking, where students can pursue their interests in narrative, experimental, documentary, animation, or all of the above. Students also learn both independent and Hollywood perspectives of the industry and a strong proficiency in film/video production technology. Additionally, the film program includes an option to learn 16mm filmmaking, a highly respected skill when pursuing a career in cinematography.
Certificate Program
What You'll Learn
What Makes Hollins' Film Program Unique
We teach a comprehensive curriculum for film studies and for film/video production. Other schools don’t always invest in all these disciplines under one roof. Very few schools in the nation offer an undergraduate all-woman film program, particularly a program that includes film/video production.
– Amy Gerber-Stroh, chair, associate professor of film
Learn more about Professor Gerber-Stroh:
IMDB site >
FlatCoatFilms >
Do Something Original That I Could Relate To
Hannah Thompson ’20 is generating impressive online buzz with her unconventional approach to the LGBT movie genre. Collide, a short film written and directed by Thompson, has been seen more than 510,000 times since it premiered on YouTube in December 2016.
“I wanted to do something original that I could relate to,” says Thompson, a double-major in film and psychology. Collide is the story of two young women who dislike one another intensely upon their first meeting in a high school classroom. But when their teacher pairs them on a project that focuses on conquering their individual fears, a friendship blossoms and they ultimately fall in love. More on her short film >
Hannah Thompson, film majorCreative Freedom, Opportunity, and Access
The film department gave me the technical skills needed to create videos/short films while giving me total control over my projects and freedom to explore different types of films.
The film department provides an array of opportunities such as screening my projects at the Screening Night at the end of each semester, sponsoring a trip to Full Frame Festival in Durham, and giving me the access to a wide set of resources.
Naomi RajooBeyond the Classroom
Prestigious Film Festival Screenings
Film majors have had their work showcased at many impressive venues:
- Sundance Film Festival, Utah
- Virginia Film Festival, Charlottesville
- Our Voices Film Festival, Vancouver, Canada
- Ocean City Film Festival, Maryland
- Silver Screen for Short Films, St. Petersburg, FL
- Transnational Queer Underground, Berlin, Germany
Career Versatility
After graduation, students pursue work in:
- Film and television
- Visual arts
- Advertising
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Marketing
- Branding
- Publishing
- Teaching
Want to Know More?
Professor Amy Gerber-Stroh is happy to answer your questions.
Contact Professor Gerber-Stroh
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