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

The Telluride Film Festival released the official program selections to its 47th edition with two films by Columbia filmmakers on the list. Both Silento, written and directed by alumnus Esteban Garcia Vernaza '20 and produced by alumna Susie Jean Kim '19, and Something to Believe In (Algo en lo que creer), written and directed by alumna Fany de la Chica '18 and produced by alumnus Luca Marcovici '18, were chosen to compete in the Student Prints category alongside six other student short films.

The oldest film festival in the world, the Venice International Film Festival, returns for its 77th edition from September 2 to September 12, 2020 with three Columbia films in its lineup.

We are pleased to announce an option for MFA students to complete production during the pandemic. 

Inez, Doug and Kira, a feature film written and directed by alumna Julia Kots '08, was acquired by 1091 Pictures for worldwide distribution.

8-12 Productions Rising 2nd year students (entered Fall 2019)

Dear Students. We are writing with an update as to what to expect heading into the Fall semester.

Dear Students: COVID-19 has impacted higher education as well as film and television production in ways that could never have been foreseen. 

Every year, the Script Pipeline TV Writing Competition recognizes new and innovative television pilots and connects a select few television writers with production companies, agencies and managers.

Soy Sola, a short film written and directed by current student Natalia Luque and co-produced by current students Aliza Brugger and Cecilia Otero, will have its European premiere at the Brussels Short Film Festival in September

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