Evolution into Film Excellence
UBC’s Department of Theatre & Film, housed within the Faculty of Arts, represents one of the oldest Film Production programs in Western Canada. The department has built a well-established alumni network and maintains an intimate learning environment with cohorts of just 20 students in its Film Production program, ensuring personalized attention and hands-on experience for every student.
Academic Programs and Approach
Undergraduate Film Programs
UBC offers two distinct undergraduate pathways for aspiring filmmakers and cinema scholars:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Theatre and Cinema Studies The BA program focuses on developing students’ critical-thinking and analytical skills when examining the theory, history, and impact of film productions. Students explore various aspects of world cinema with particular emphasis on North American, Asian, and European films, gaining deep understanding of the societal and historical impact of films and cinematic practices.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Theatre and Film The BFA program emphasizes blending artistic and professional practice with theory and research. The BFA Film Production track combines filmmaking theory with practical techniques, encouraging students to create their own films while working on several productions throughout their studies.
Graduate Opportunities
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film Production UBC’s graduate program focuses on advanced training in directing, screenwriting, and producing live action narrative or documentary films, designed for students who already possess foundational filmmaking experience.
Campus and Facilities
Vancouver Campus Excellence
Located on the stunning Point Grey campus lands, UBC Vancouver sits on an unincorporated area next to Vancouver, just 10 kilometers west of Downtown Vancouver. The campus houses state-of-the-art facilities including advanced film production equipment, editing suites, and screening rooms that support both undergraduate and graduate film programs.
Research and Innovation Hub
UBC is home to TRIUMF, Canada’s national particle and nuclear physics laboratory featuring the world’s largest cyclotron, along with the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies and the Stuart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute. The university also hosts the first Max Planck Institute in North America, established in collaboration with the Max Planck Society and specializing in quantum mechanics.
Library and Resources
The UBC Library system, one of Canada’s largest research libraries, contains over 8.3 million items across 21 branches, receiving 3.1 million annual visitors and 9.7 million virtual visits, providing extensive resources for film research and study.
Industry Impact and Recognition
Global Rankings and Reputation
UBC consistently ranks among the top 20 public universities globally, with its film programs recognized for their innovative approach to combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. The university’s annual research budget of $893 million funds 9,992 projects annually across various fields, including significant film and media research initiatives.
Notable Achievements and Alumni
The university boasts an impressive roster of achievements including 8 Nobel laureates, 75 Rhodes scholars, 231 Olympians with 65 medals, and 306 fellows to the Royal Society of Canada. Among UBC’s distinguished alumni are Canadian Prime Ministers John Turner, Kim Campbell, and Justin Trudeau, demonstrating the university’s influence across multiple sectors including politics, arts, and entertainment.
Academic Excellence and Affiliations
UBC maintains prestigious memberships in the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), Universities Canada, and the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, ensuring students benefit from extensive international collaboration and exchange opportunities.
Student Experience and Community
Intimate Learning Environment
With its commitment to small cohort sizes, particularly the 20-student Film Production program, UBC ensures personalized attention and mentorship opportunities that larger institutions cannot provide. Students work on multiple film projects throughout their studies, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of film production.
Comprehensive Support System
The university’s 5,696 academic staff members (Vancouver campus) provide extensive support and expertise, while the CA$3.0 billion endowment ensures robust financial aid and scholarship opportunities for deserving students.
Research and Creative Opportunities
Students benefit from UBC’s massive research infrastructure, with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects funded by the university’s substantial research budget, often leading to innovative approaches in film technology and storytelling techniques.
UBC’s Department of Theatre & Film continues to shape the future of Canadian cinema through its comprehensive programs, world-class facilities, and commitment to both theoretical understanding and practical excellence in filmmaking education.
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