The Legacy of Milos Forman
In 1978, esteemed director Milos Forman and his Screenwriting mentor Frank Daniel were appointed co-chairs of the Film Program. Under their leadership, the program flourished and became the world-renowned institution of film education that it is today. In many ways, Forman was the "creative founder" of Columbia Film, having shaped and refined its commitment to narrative filmmaking anchored in strong screenplays. He gave it a character as distinct as his own—original, passionate, intelligent, and international.
News
Abercrombie and Fitch built a retail juggernaut by bringing city clubs to suburban retail: heavily perfumed and dimly lit, their storefronts were often flanked by shirtless men.
Alumni writers, directors, producers, and actors are making waves at festivals and in theaters.
After the successful sale of his short story BOMB to 20th Century Studios late last year, which will be adapted to the screen under director Ridley Scott (Thelma & Louise, The Martian), Kevin McMullin ’14 is now set to pen the English-language remake of A Bittersweet Life.
Winners of the 2025 Golden Globe awards were announced over the weekend, and Columbia filmmakers started off the year right by bringing home awards in various categories.
Amazon Prime recently announced that Film alum Jonathan Van Tulleken '10 will direct and executive produce the first two episodes of the new high-profile limited series, Blade Runner 2099. Created and showrun by fellow Film alum Silka Luisa '11, the series’ production was moved to Prague, Czech Republic after initially being planned for Belfast, Northern Ireland. Production began earlier this year."
Sutura, a new medical thriller series created and written by Film alum Fabio Montanari '16, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on November 22. The series follows two medical professionals who become entangled in a dangerous double life.
Simon Kinberg ’03 has punched his ticket to a galaxy far, far away, signing a deal with Lucasfilm to write and produce a new trilogy of Star Wars films for Disney. Producing with Kinberg will be longtime Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy.
Several Columbia alums are screening films at Lincoln Center this weekend as part of this year’s Diversity and Inclusion Film Festival (DIFF). This year’s festival includes numerous industry panels, sponsored parties, and premieres for attendees.
Film alum and Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar ’02 is tackling big questions with a big star in his new play McNeal on Broadway.
Adjunct Assistant Professor Richard Dresser has adapted his 2020 novel It Happened Here into a six-part podcast series being released weekly through the end of October.
Whether filmed on campus, made by an alum, or starring a famous Columbian, these haunting tales are perfect for a morbid movie night at home.
Several films by Columbia University filmmakers will be showcased at the 2024 New Hampshire Film Festival. The festival, held every October in Portsmouth, will take place from October 17 to October 20, 2024. The program for the NHFF consists of new domestic and international independent films including narrative features, shorts and documentaries.
