Welcome to the Department of Cinema at the University of Hartford. Students in our program learn how to analyze film and to make their own original films. Our majors are immersed in viewing, discussing, writing about and making films.
A broad foundation in film theory, history and analysis is complemented by a more in depth examination of films from particular genres, themes, directors or nations in a broad variety of film studies courses. Students develop an understanding of film as a form of art and commercial culture, and analyze elements of a film like camera shots, editing and sound. They learn about the history of film and distinctive styles of film from different historical periods. Faculty are dynamic and engaged teachers that have written extensively about film in their scholarship. Film studies courses are small, often 20 students or less, which fosters more vibrant class discussion and individual attention from faculty.
Those interested in production learn the principles of filmmaking. Students produce and direct their own short films working through the stages of pre-production, production, and postproduction. Filmmaking courses explore a variety of genres including documentary, narrative and experimental films, and animation.
Students receive guidance from faculty that are accomplished filmmakers whose work has been shown at competitive film festivals. Our production courses are small, usually 10 to 16 students, so each student has ample access to filmmaking equipment.
Students shoot their films on HD cameras and edit their work in the department’s editing lab that is available 24 hours a day for those in advanced filmmaking courses. Our editing facility consists of several Macintosh computer–based, nonlinear HD editing workstations with the latest version of Final Cut Pro as well as 16mm editing equipment, including a Steenbeck flatbed editing table.
Students in filmmaking have access to: 16mm film synch and non-synch Bolex and Éclair camera kits; Canon A1 HD (high definition) digital video cameras; Canon T3i HD DSLR cameras and lens kits; professional lighting packages; audio recording equipment with a wide variety of microphones; a professional dolly; and a digital optical printer that can be used for transferring film to video.
The department is constantly acquiring new equipment and updating editing software to stay current with the latest trends in film and media production to better prepare students for professional opportunities in these fields.
Student films are featured in well attended screenings at the University at the end of each term, and some are shown at recognized festivals. Watch some of these student films produced in cinema classes here.
The study of film at Hartford is based in the liberal arts. In addition to their courses in the cinema major, students take a comprehensive range of courses for their general education in the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. This provides a more well-rounded education for our students that enhances both their understanding of film and abilities as filmmakers. Students incorporate ideas about topics such as culture, art, politics and sexuality from these courses into their analysis of film and their own films.
New students can start taking courses in cinema right away. First year students can register for Introduction to Film their very first semester, and then in the spring enroll in the first production course, Introduction to Filmmaking; or a film studies course on a particular director, film genre or national cinema; or both.
Cinema students can take courses in a variety of other programs at the University of Hartford that complement their own interest in film and filmmaking, including courses in:
The Cinema program provides a solid foundation for a variety of careers in film and media, as well as other professions. Our graduates have achieved success in many different impressive jobs.
The Cinema Department has a website that is dedicated to showcasing the work of faculty and students.
