Early Development and Independence
York University held its first class in September 1960 in Falconer Hall on the University of Toronto campus with a total of 76 students. In the fall of 1961, York moved to its first campus at Glendon Hall (now part of Glendon College), which was leased from U of T, and began to emphasize liberal arts and part-time adult education. The university became independent in 1965, after an initial period of affiliation with the University of Toronto, under the York University Act, 1965.
Visionary Leadership and Growth
Murray Ross, who continues to be honoured today at the university through the Murray G. Ross (Valedictorian) Award, was still vice-president of U of T when he was approached to become York University’s new president. At the time, York University was envisaged as a feeder campus to U of T, until Ross’s powerful vision led it to become a completely separate institution. In 1965, the university opened its main campus, the Keele Campus, in North York, within the Jane and Finch community, establishing the foundation for what would become one of Canada’s largest and most influential universities.
Film Department Legacy
The Department of Cinema & Media Arts houses Canada’s oldest film school, establishing York University as a pioneer in film education. The first Canadian undergraduate program in dance opened at York University in 1970, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to arts education. In 1972, Canada Post featured the nascent institution on 8¢ stamps, entitled “York University Campus, North York, Ont.” The first Canadian PhD program in women’s studies opened with five candidates in January 1992, further cementing York’s reputation for innovative and progressive academic programs.
Department of Cinema & Media Arts Excellence
Program Philosophy and Approach
The Department of Cinema & Media Arts operates on the fundamental principle of discovering “the art of storytelling through film, screenwriting and media.” The department’s comprehensive approach ensures that students develop skills in production, media arts and critical analysis within top-tier facilities with mentorship from industry experts. This hands-on learning environment, situated in Toronto – Canada’s cultural capital, prepares students to thrive in today’s dynamic film and media landscape.
Comprehensive Program Offerings
The department offers an exceptional range of programs designed to meet diverse student interests and career goals:
Production (Bachelor of Fine Arts) This comprehensive four-year program requires evaluation through questionnaire, portfolio, and interview, with entry options in Fall or Summer. Students receive intensive training in all aspects of film production, from concept development through post-production, working with industry-standard equipment and professional mentorship.
Screenwriting (Bachelor of Fine Arts) As the only university-level screenwriting program in the entire country, this prestigious four-year program requires evaluation through questionnaire and portfolio, with entry options in Fall or Summer. Students develop their craft under the guidance of experienced screenwriters and industry professionals, learning to create compelling narratives for various media platforms.
Media Arts (Bachelor of Fine Arts) This innovative four-year program, based on academic achievement without portfolio requirements, offers entry options in Fall, Winter, or Summer. Students explore the intersection of traditional media and emerging technologies, developing skills in digital media, interactive arts, and contemporary media production.
Cinema & Media Arts (Bachelor of Arts) This comprehensive four-year program, based on academic achievement without portfolio requirements, provides entry options in Fall, Winter, or Summer. Students engage with film theory, criticism, and cultural analysis while developing practical skills in media production and analysis.
Integrative Arts (Bachelor of Fine Arts) This unique multidisciplinary four-year program, based on academic achievement without portfolio requirements, offers entry options in Fall, Winter, or Summer. Students explore various artistic mediums including film, 3D modelling, sculpting, and more, developing well-rounded creative skills across multiple disciplines.
Graduate Studies Excellence
The department also offers graduate programs that provide advanced training for students seeking careers in film research, criticism, or advanced production roles, ensuring comprehensive education at all levels of study.
Industry Leadership and Recognition
Canada’s Film Education Pioneer
York University’s Department of Cinema & Media Arts proudly holds the distinction of being “Canada’s first and most comprehensive university-based film school,” celebrating over 50 years of excellence in film education. This pioneering status has established the department as a model for film education programs across Canada and internationally.
Unique National Distinctions
The department’s screenwriting program represents a truly unique offering as “the only university-level screenwriting program in the entire country,” making York University the exclusive destination for students seeking comprehensive university-level screenwriting education in Canada. This distinction attracts talented students from across the nation and internationally.
Strategic Location Advantages
Located in Toronto, described as “Canada’s cultural capital” and “the hub of Canada’s film industry,” the department provides students with unparalleled access to industry connections, networking opportunities, and real-world production experiences. Students benefit from easy access to studios, production companies, and industry professionals, creating invaluable opportunities for internships, collaborations, and career development.
Student Success and Alumni Achievement
Industry Impact and Professional Success
The department’s graduates have achieved remarkable success across the global film industry, with alumni working on major productions and establishing successful careers in various aspects of filmmaking. Student testimonials reveal impressive achievements, including work on major films such as “The Witch” and “The Apprentice,” TIFF premieres, Cannes red carpet experiences, and connections with industry figures like Sebastian Stan and Cate Blanchett.
Professional Development and Career Pathways
Alumni have secured positions at major organizations including CBC, where they serve as Digital Associate Producers and in other key roles. The department’s emphasis on building strong professional relationships has proven instrumental in graduates’ career success, with many alumni continuing to collaborate with their York peers long after graduation.
International Student Success
The department’s inclusive and welcoming environment has proven particularly successful for international students, who report that the transition to York was surprisingly easy due to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere within AMPD. This international perspective enriches the learning environment for all students.
Faculty Excellence and Industry Connections
Distinguished Faculty and Mentorship
The department benefits from distinguished faculty members who are deeply connected to the industry and actively working in their fields. Notable faculty include John Greyson and Brenda Longfellow, who provide insightful guidance and mentorship that shapes students’ creative journeys and deepens their understanding of the craft.
Industry Integration and Professional Development
Faculty members’ active involvement in the industry ensures that students receive current, relevant instruction that reflects contemporary practices and emerging trends. This integration between academic study and professional practice provides students with invaluable insights into the realities of working in the film industry.
Collaborative Learning Environment
The department’s emphasis on collaboration and community building reflects the collaborative nature of film production. Students learn to work effectively with peers across different specializations, developing the communication and teamwork skills essential for success in the film industry.
Facilities and Resources
State-of-the-Art Production Facilities
The department provides students with access to top-tier facilities that mirror professional industry standards. The Motion Media Studio offers advanced capabilities for innovative projects, including 360-degree film production, providing students with experience using cutting-edge technologies.
Comprehensive Technical Resources
Students have access to industry-standard equipment and technology, ensuring they graduate with experience using the same tools they will encounter in their professional careers. The department’s commitment to maintaining current technology ensures students are prepared for the evolving demands of the media industry.
Campus Infrastructure and Support
As part of York University, students benefit from comprehensive campus resources including the extensive library system, research facilities, and student support services. The university’s substantial endowment of $615.0 million (2023) ensures robust support for academic programs and facilities.
Academic Excellence and University Distinction
Institutional Prestige and Scale
York University stands as Canada’s third-largest university, serving approximately 53,500 students with 7,000 faculty and staff, and boasting over 375,000 alumni worldwide. The university’s 11 faculties include prestigious schools such as the Lassonde School of Engineering, Schulich School of Business, and Osgoode Hall Law School, creating a rich academic environment for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research Excellence and Innovation
With 32 research centres and academic affiliations including CARL, COU, CUSID, Fields Institute, IAU, and Universities Canada, York University provides a robust research environment that supports both academic inquiry and creative practice in film and media arts.
Campus Life and Community
The main Keele Campus, located in northern Toronto bordering York Region, houses most of the university’s faculties and serves nearly 50,000 students. The campus features comprehensive facilities including York University station (Toronto subway), the York University Busway, and the Aviva Centre tennis stadium, which hosts the Canada Masters tournament.
Innovation and Future Vision
Technological Integration and Emerging Media
The department’s commitment to staying current with new technologies and methodologies ensures students develop not only the hard skills for today’s technology but also the ability to grow and adapt to the technology of tomorrow. This forward-thinking approach prepares graduates for the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Creative Exploration
Students benefit from the multidisciplinary environment within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, with opportunities to collaborate across programs in dance, visual arts, theatre, music, and other creative disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the contemporary reality of media production and creative collaboration.
Continued Leadership in Film Education
As York University continues to evolve and expand, including the recent opening of the Markham Campus in Fall 2024, the Department of Cinema & Media Arts maintains its position as a leader in film education, adapting to changing industry needs while preserving its commitment to excellence and innovation.
York University’s Department of Cinema & Media Arts continues to shape the future of Canadian and international cinema through its pioneering programs, distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and unwavering commitment to excellence in film education, maintaining its status as Canada’s premier destination for comprehensive film and media arts education.
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