The Department of
Cinematic Arts
Film Production. Cinema Studies. Gaming and Animation.
Become a director, cinematographer, screenwriter, video game designer, animator, visual studies theorist, film historian, experimental artist, or movie producer.
We offer
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training in a wide array of cutting-edge digital media techniques
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a rigorous foundation in film theory, aesthetics, and history
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classes that prepare you for the demands of leadership, teamwork, and business.
Choose from the B.A. in Media Arts and the B.F.A. in IFDM (Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media).
Media Arts
Media Arts students make movies. Simultaneously, they study the work of great filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, Luis Buñuel, and Maya Deren. They examine significant cinematic movements—the French New Wave, film noir, German Expressionism—and consider important genres like science fiction, horror, and comedy.
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IFDM
Interdisciplinary Film & Digital Media (IFDM) majors acquire skills in moviemaking, gaming, animation, visual effects, design, multimedia, and business. A model of interdisciplinary education, the IFDM curriculum is structured to serve a variety of needs.
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Professor Matt McDuffie on the art of film production.
“Education in the arts will continue to have a vital, necessary role into the twenty-first century. Study in the Fine Arts—in the area of studio practice, as well as history and criticism—is an essential undertaking in preparing students to meet the increasingly complex challenges that are before us. In the area of media study (in studio practice as well as critical studies), students can practice teamwork and attain practice in problem-solving that will apply to a wide variety of creative enterprises and employment opportunities. They will also attain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural currents that have informed the ways they use media, as spectators and as creators of moving image and sound works. Attaining these literacies are vitally important today, and will be essential in the long-term.”
-Professor Nina Fonoroff, Cinematic Arts, UNM
“Ol’ Max Evans – The First Thousand Years” shot by Barry Kirk
The documentary "Ol' Max Evans: The First Thousand Years," shot by Cinematic Arts instructor Barry Kirk premieres tonight on New Mexico PBS. Take a fast-paced ride through the life and times of internationally renowned best-selling New Mexico author Max...
Cinematic Arts faculty Aaron Estrada to give talk on Tech Startups
WHY: Albuquerque technology-focused entrepreneurs, startup innovators, and creatives gather to gain industry knowledge. Monthly speakers share formative victories and pitfalls along the journey to becoming the leaders they are today. February 28 speaker...
Introduction to Game Development Final Project
Video clip from a final game project created by IFDM majors Krystal Telford and Danae Gentry in the Introduction to Game Development class, taught by Jon Whetzel, in Fall 2018. Students must then apply to the College of Fine Arts as...
Contact Cinematic Arts
How to Apply
- All students must be admitted to the University, whether as an incoming freshman, transfer student, or non-degree student. Apply online through the Admissions Department at UNM.
- You must also apply to the College of Fine Arts as a pre-major or a major.
- In addition IFDM majors must apply to become a major. There is no separate application for Media Arts majors.
Major and Minors
- The College of Fine Arts Advisement Office can help with questions about requirements, guidelines, and other advisement matters. To speak with a CFA advisor, call 505-277-4817, or check out information on our advisor’s Walk-In Hours.
Scholarships
Scholarships and Financial Aid are available through the University: