MAJOR IN CINEMATIC ARTS

Cinematic Arts and Film Studies Program

At UC San Diego, cinematic storytelling is both an artistic practice and a powerful way to understand the world. The Cinematic Arts and Film Studies Program combines hands-on filmmaking with critical scholarship, preparing students to become creative leaders, thoughtful collaborators, and innovative storytellers in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Students learn by making films while exploring the rich history, theory, and global traditions of cinema. From cinematography, directing, editing, and screenwriting to documentary, experimental, and narrative filmmaking, the program provides a foundation in both creative practice and intellectual inquiry. Students also examine cinema through diverse cultural perspectives, studying films from around the world while engaging with questions of history, identity, technology, and social change.

What sets UC San Diego apart is its interdisciplinary approach. The program brings together faculty from Visual Arts, Literature, Theatre and Dance, Communication, History, Music, and other disciplines, allowing students to explore filmmaking from multiple artistic and scholarly perspectives. This collaborative environment encourages experimentation, innovation, and the development of a distinctive creative voice.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Students gain experience through internships, collaborative productions, faculty research, and industry engagement, culminating in a capstone project that showcases their creative or scholarly work. Along the way, they build portfolios, expand professional networks, and develop the collaborative skills essential to careers in film, television, media, and the creative industries.

Supported by the Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts and housed within the university's Institute of Arts and Humanities, students become part of a vibrant community that connects emerging filmmakers with internationally recognized artists, scholars, and industry professionals. Through screenings, master classes, artist residencies, fellowships, and public programs, the Center enriches the student experience while fostering bold new approaches to cinematic storytelling.

Together, the Suraj Israni Center and the Cinematic Arts and Film Studies Program create an environment where students can explore ideas, refine their craft, and prepare to shape the future of cinema.