One of the most extensive film programs in Virginia.
The film major provides a thorough grounding in the field, balancing instruction in film and video production with courses in the history, aesthetics, and cultural import of these arts. The major culminates in a senior capstone consisting of a filmmaking, research, or screenplay project. Skills developed in the film major can be applied to careers in film and television, the visual arts, advertising, journalism, public relations, publishing, teaching, and numerous other fields.
As the only all-women film/video production program in the Eastern U.S., we offer a unique, inclusive environment where students master everything from 16mm celluloid to modern digital filmmaking.
HU Film on YouTube
From narratives to experimental shorts, watch our playlist of recent student-produced film shorts and see the creativity of the Hollins film students firsthand.
Film Major Degree Paths
The film major provides a thorough grounding in the field, balancing instruction in film and video production with courses in the history, aesthetics, and cultural import of these arts.
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.
What to Expect in the Film Program
- Year One is all about testing the waters, trying an introductory core course or an elective in the 100 – 200 range. This is also a time to explore, work on a student film crew, attend a speaker event, and watch a bunch of films with other film students in the department.
- Year Two is when you start to discover your passions and possibilities, finding your rhythm in terms of coursework and community. This is a great time to take more intermediate 200-level courses, start building your portfolio or collection of writing, look at internships and to declare your major.
- Year Three is when you focus more on the area of film you are most interested in. Opting for 300 level courses, studying abroad, trying an independent study, becoming an SSL, TA, or attending Full Frame Documentary Film Festival are all activities to consider your junior year. This year is also when you ramp up internships in your area of interest.
- Year Four is when you’re at the home stretch and working on your film thesis project, compiling your entire portfolio, applying to grad schools, searching for job leads, mentoring new film students, going to Full Frame, and jumping into the Hollins film alumnae network to foster contacts after graduation.
Why Choose Hollins Film
At Hollins, we provide a film education dedicated to both film studies and hands-on production, we offer a unique, inclusive environment where your voice comes first. As one of the only undergraduate programs for women in the nation, here are 10 reasons why the Hollins Film Department is a premier choice for aspiring creators:
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10 Reasons to Study Film at Hollins
- We have a Film Department solely dedicated to the studying and making of films and digital
media. You can receive a Bachelor of Arts in Film and a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting
and Film. - We teach a comprehensive curriculum for both film studies (film theory, history, criticism) AND film/video production. Other film schools do not always invest in all of these disciplines under one roof.
- Very few schools in the nation offer an undergraduate film program for women like Hollins, particularly a program that includes film/video production.
- We encourage students to follow their interests when studying film whether pursuing a certain genre (horror films, romantic comedies, etc.) filmmaking approach (narrative, experimental, documentary, animation, etc.) or industry perspective (independent and commercial.)
- The film program offers a special skill: 16mm filmmaking. Usually only top tier film schools in the country include this type of course in their curriculum. 16mm and 35mm filmmaking are
not obsolete, especially in commercial advertising production. 16mm filmmaking is also a
highly respected skill when pursuing a career in cinematography. - We invite filmmakers and scholars from around the world to come and speak during our lecture series who working in the industry or in groundbreaking scholarship. Past speakers include Genevieve Turner, Su Friedrich, Spike Lee, and Women Make Movies founder Debra Zimmerman. Many Film alumna also visit Hollins on a regular basis to help students network.
- Incoming students can make films right away. Many other film programs make students wait until their sophomore/junior year before they are allowed to produce films.
- We have excellent filmmaking equipment and facilities, such as high-quality cameras, microphones, lights, tripods, and an assortment of production gear. Film students have 24/7 access to our Mac editing suites. (Many other schools do not offer this.) Some of our professional software includes the full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Avid, and much more.
- We have a great track record for getting Hollins film students out into the film industry. Students have won competitive internships in L.A.: Varsity Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Disney Channel, in New York: Parabolic Studios, MSNBC, and Gardner Nelson + Partners. Student films often get selected for film festivals. Several Hollins students have even gotten into the majors like Sundance, the Cannes Film Festival Critic’s Week, and the Venice Film
Festival. - The Film Department is a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for aspiring filmmakers and film scholars. We have experienced film faculty who know and care about their students. We offer many group activities, special screening events, and road trips to film festivals such as the Virginia Film Festival and the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham, NC.
At Hollins, we provide a film education that is as deep as it is wide. As one of the only undergraduate programs for women in the nation dedicated to both film studies and hands-on production, we offer a unique, inclusive environment where your voice comes first.At Hollins, we provide a film education that is as deep as it is wide. As one of the only undergraduate programs for women in the nation dedicated to both film studies and hands-on production, we offer a unique, inclusive environment where your voice comes first.
- We have a Film Department solely dedicated to the studying and making of films and digital
Real-World Experience
Top Skills you’ll Gain from a BA in Film
When you receive a BA in Film at Hollins you will have:
- Video and film technical skills that are always in demand.
- Reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Storytelling expertise.
- On-the-job internship work experience in your area of interest.
- Oral communication skills.
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Leadership skills.
- Time management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Self-confidence.
- Teamwork and collaborative skills.
- Perseverance.
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
Recent Film Internships
- Agee Films, Washington, DC (documentary production)
- America’s Test Kitchen Boston, MA (cable television production)
- The Arbor Group, St. Louis, MO (production company)
- CPK Media, Boston, MA (production company)
- Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street, Boston, MA (television show)
- DiGa Studios, New York, NY(full production house)
- The Disney Channel, Los Angeles, CA (television studio)
- Durrin Productions, Washington, DC (non-profit production)
- Escape Plans Productions, Austin, TX (full production house)
- Kroger Production Studios, Roanoke, VA (studio production)
- Gulp Pictures, New York, NY (production company)
- Henninger Media, Washington, DC (post-production house)
- Gardner, Nelson & Partners, New York, NY (commercial production)
- MHz Networks, Washington, DC (broadcast television)
- MSNBC, “Hardball With Chris Matthews” (broadcast television)
- Paramount Pictures, Los Angeles, CA (motion picture studio)
- Parabolic Studios, New York, NY (post-production sound)
- The Grandin Theatre Foundation, Roanoke, VA (film exhibition)UNC Public Television, Chapel Hill, NC (broadcast television)
- Varsity Pictures, Los Angeles, CA (production company)
- Viewpoint Creative, Boston, MA (production company)
- Wingo, Inc., New York, NY (development and fundraising)
- Women Make Movies, New York, NY (film distribution)
A Path to Screenwriting
Grow from creator to storyteller. Hollins is home to a world-renowned low-residency MFA in Screeenwriting. Here, writers learn the craft of screenwriting as they develop feature films and television pilots, while gaining real-world industry insight without relocating.
Beyond Hollins
Our undergraduate program is a proven launchpad for advanced study. In addition to our own graduate programs, Hollins alumnae have recently been accepted to:
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
- Duke University
- Emerson College
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- University of Southern California (USC)
Career Paths and Alumnae Success
After graduation, film students pursue careers in teaching, film and television, visual arts, advertising, journalism, public relations, marketing, branding, and publishing.
Catie Asip ’16, Senior Associate for Content at PBS Kids, Washington, DC
April Marcell (Drummond) ’11, Founder and Producer of Gibson & White Pictures, Norfolk, VA
Diana Foronda ’17, film logger for Left/Right Productions, New York, NY
Tayler Ryanne Jordan ’14, Analytics and Insights Manager, Phase:3 Marketing and Communications, Atlanta, GA
Jasmine Kettenacker ’12, professional editor, Bruton Stroube Studios, St. Louis, MO
Jeanne Scout Moran ’16, Production Assistant at T-Stop Productions, Boston, MA
Meet our Faculty
Reach out to any of the film professors to learn more about the program. Schedule a time to meet or request more information about Hollins and our film program below.
Certificate Program
The certificate in arts management at Hollins connects your major in one of the arts with career interests in various fields of arts management. You’ll take courses in business and communication studies, complete two internships in an area of arts management, and create a final project. You can meet the certificate in arts management requirements through prudent choices in your general education courses and electives without adding to your total credit hours. Contact us today to begin the process of earning your certificate in arts management.