Documentary

Master of Fine Arts

Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media

MFACreative Arts, Media, and StorytellingCommunity EngagementCommunicationIn-Person
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This demanding MFA program equips aspiring documentary filmmakers with both a deep understanding of the documentary genre and strong skills in film production. The curriculum integrates knowledge of documentary’s history, styles, traditions, affinity for research and development, and varied approaches to storytelling and production with high production values, effective post-production, and the ability to take creative work to its audiences.

Degree Requirements
Admission and Aid

Visit the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media’s Graduate Admission Office page for additional information, FAQs, to schedule an appointment with an admissions officer and more.

CDM Grad Admission Office
Admission Requirements
Get information about the application deadlines and specific materials required for admission to this program.
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Scholarships and Aid
We offer scholarships to incoming CDM graduate students. Learn more about those and other aid opportunities, including assistantships and funded research opportunities.
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Graduate Ambassadors
Get a current student’s perspective. Graduate Ambassadors are available to answer questions about DePaul, the program’s curriculum, and, most importantly, their personal experience.
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Study in Chicago

We see the world as your stage and we love our location. Chicago is home to one of the most involved and connected documentary communities across the nation and DePaul’s faculty has deep connections with production powerhouses like Kartemquin Educational Films (The Interrupters, Hoop Dreams, Life Itself), The Kindling Group (Radical Grace, The Calling, @Home) and Towers Productions. Come tour our urban campus to see for yourself the unique advantage we have in bringing the industry to you.

Faculty
Anu Rana
Anu has produced and directed award-winning films internationally. She is the co-director of DePaul’s Collective Futures Lab, on the Steering Committee for the Asian American Documentary Network (ADOC), a member of Brown Girls Doc Mafia (BGDM) and the Mezcla Media Collective. Her recent documentary, Musher, premiered at the Oscar-Qualifying Chicago International Children’s Film Festival and is available on PBS, Amazon, and iTunes.
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Fenell Doremus
Fenell is an Emmy Award-winning Chicago producer with deep roots in the documentary industry. Getting her start as an assistant editor and post-production coordinator on Hoop Dreams, Fenell went on to serve as staff producer at Kartemquin Films for the next eight years. She co-produced the Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, broadcast on PBS’ Frontline series. Most recently, Fenell served as consulting producer on the Emmy-nominated Let the Little Light Shine.
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Dana Kupper
Dana has traveled the globe as a documentary cinematographer, working on such highly regarded films as the Roger Ebert documentary Life Itself and American Creed. Her work has won a Best Cinematographer award at Sundance and has aired nationally.
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two ladies on stage conversing
Verité Conference
Each year for two days, documentary filmmakers gather at the School of Cinematic Arts to teach free masterclasses on the technical, creative, and ethical aspects of their work, as well as participate in professional panels and screen their films. Verite is part of SCA's Visiting Artists Series.
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using an digital camera
Production Resources
Student resources, including our Production Office and equipment Centers housed at both the Loop Campus and DePaul Cinespace Studios, are the gateways to film and television production needs like cameras, casting, or permits.
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Project Bluelight
Project Bluelight is a professional, educational, and community outreach program where students receive hands-on experience in motion picture production. One recent project, A Place to Call Home, focuses on the work of Depaul USA to create awareness and understanding of the challenges of the chronically homeless and the importance of providing permanent supportive housing.
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Big Shoulders Film Festival

The annual Big Shoulders International Student Film Festival, held at the CDM Theater in downtown Chicago, is dedicated to presenting the work of innovative student filmmakers from around the world. DePaul students actively participate in organizing the festival, selecting the films, and hosting the event.

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