The Department of
Cinematic Arts
An approach to moving image art unlike any other
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, the B.F.A. in IFDM (Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media), and the Arts Management Minor.
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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Arts Management
While pursuing their degrees, Media Arts and IFDM students acquire valuable “real world” experiences. Our Arts Management minor equips you to navigate the business of art and the entrepreneurial aspects of image making. You may intern with businesses integral to the New Mexico film industry, and collaborate with our community partners such as Albuquerque Studios and Basement Films.
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“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
Kastelic and McDuffie Films in Cannes Film Festival
Andy Kastelic, who just graduated with a BA in Media Arts, and Matthew McDuffie, Professor of Practice in Screenwriting, both have films in the Cannes Film Festival this year.
Konefsky in Indie Film Night at Albuquerque Museum – May 18
Indie Film Night features short films and discussions from independent film makers. Senior Lecturer Bryan Konefsky’s 2012 film Miss Yummy Yummy screens as part of the event.
Watch You’ve Got to Believe Me
Created in IFDM 310 Writing Digital Narrative, Spring 2017, Instructor: Adam Turner
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: