Film News

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

Two Columbia films are among those selected as juried award winners of the 2021 Palms Springs International Shortfest Festival.

Whether it's AIDS or COVID or rampant injustice, political necessity brings LGBTQ people “together in an expression of community.”

Family Style, an Asian foodie series directed and produced by alumna Marie Jamora '05, is now streaming on HBO Max.

Behind the D4 is an interview series about the D4 films made by Film MFA Program students. After completing their Directing IV coursework, each student is required to direct a short final project, called the “D4 Film.” Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, films that would have been filmed during the Summer of 2020, began shooting in September 2020.

Courtroom 3H, a feature documentary directed by alumnus Antonio Méndez Esparza ‘08, will be part of the official selection at AFI Docs 2021.

Emergency Contact, a new feature film written by alumni Rory Haines '11 and Sohrab Noshirvani '12, will go into production for Warner Bros in the coming weeks.

Middle of Nowhere, a half-hour, single camera indie television pilot created, written, directed and executive produced by Adjunct Professor Michele Palermo, is experiencing a successful festival showing.

Leylak, written and produced by Mustafa Kaymak '14, associate produced by Mark Castillo '18, and executive produced by Sola Fasehun '15, was named the winner of the 2021 Special Jury Mention Award in the shorts category of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.

Seven films by Columbia Filmmakers will screen at the internationally esteemed 2021 Cannes Film Festival. 

Alumna Yossera Bouchtia '19 participated in The Gotham's TV Series Lab with her show Yasmine/Jasmine from May 24-28, 2021. 

Study in Blue, a feature screenplay written by alumnus Patrick Clement '20, was among the Top Official Selection at the 2021 Richmond International Film Festival's screenplay competition.

 

Student Aliza Brugger recently directed and edited the music video for artist Sa-Roc's new single Wild Seeds. Alumnus Scott Gerlomes '20 served as producer. 

The Blue List

Columbia University Blue List Script Competition connects the Film Program’s most talented recent graduates with leading professionals in the world of film and television. The Blue List represents the most esteemed, un-produced screenplays and television pilots written by Film & Playwriting graduates of the Columbia University’s School of the Arts.

Student Series

Headshot of Angeline Dimambro
Life After Film School

by Angeline Dimambro

This series catches up with Columbia filmmakers who have recently graduated to discuss what they’re doing now and their goals for the future.

Headshot of Carlos Barragan
This is Who We Are

by Carlos Barragán

A series featuring Columbia School of the Arts’ professors, covering careers, pedagogy, and art-making.

Headshot of Felix van Kann
Columbia Filmmakers Connect

by Felix van Kann

Features the new mentorship program that connects recent alumni with industry professionals. 

Aisha Amin
Weekend Watchlist

by Aisha Amin

Features Columbia Film Professors, discussing their best film and TV recommendations for aspiring filmmakers.

Frozen poster

Writer and co-director: Jennifer Lee '05

Superbad poster

Writer-director: Greg Mottola '91

Zero Dark Thirty poster

Writer, director, producer: Kathryn Bigelow '79

Logan poster

Co-writer and director: James Mangold '99

Yellowjackets poster

Co-creator, executive producer, writer: Ashley Lyle '07

Shirkers poster

Writer-director: Sandi Tan '00