Please note:
To view the Summer 2025 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2025/summer.html.
Film Honours
The bachelor of fine arts (BFA) with a major in film provides creative, technical and analytical studies within the school’s interdisciplinary setting. Film and video production courses emphasize the creation of original work and technical skills acquisition. Film studies courses familiarize students with the aesthetic and social issues surrounding contemporary film and video practice which are an integral part of the curriculum. Students augment the components of film and video through interdisciplinary studies and projects. Directed study courses are available for upper division students to work independently.
Students whose interest in film is related primarily to historical, critical, or theoretical aspects should see the art, performance and cinema studies (APSC) major program, leading to a bachelor of arts, and to the cinema studies minor.
´óÏó´«Ã½ Requirements
Program and course admission is contingent upon University admission. Contact Student Services for admission procedures, requirements and deadlines. Entry to all programs and to many courses is by audition, interview or application. Contact the school’s office for information on procedures and deadlines or visit our .
Although the University operates on a trimester system, most CA courses are planned in a two term (fall and spring) sequence. Consequently, students enter in the fall term (September) and are advised to contact the school in the preceding January for program entry and requirements information.
Students may apply for program admission after completing CA 231, normally at the end of the second year of study. Approval will be based on the student’s creative work and academic record in required lower division courses.
Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
Unassigned or general elective (type 2 and 3, respectively) transfer credit awarded for courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions will not automatically entitle students to advanced standing in the school’s programs. Advanced standing is generally given on an individual basis as a result of an audition or interview.
About the School’s Course Offerings
Students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings within the school. As many programs depend on a continuing sequence of courses completed in order, students should plan carefully to gain the maximum benefit and efficiency from their study. Note that not all courses are offered every term and several are offered on a rotational basis, i.e. every third or fourth term. An advisor is available to help plan study programs.
Students are reminded that the school is an interdisciplinary contemporary arts department, and are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the many disciplinary courses that are available.
Special Topics Courses
The subject matter (and prerequisites) of special or selected topics courses vary by term.
Prior Approval Prerequisite
Where a prerequisite is, or includes, ‘prior approval,’ approval must be obtained before enrolling in the course. Contact the school for further information.
Program Requirements
Students complete ´óÏó´«Ã½ Honours Degree Requirements. See /students/calendar/fees-and-regulations/credentials-offered/definitions.html#honours.
Entry to all first year film production courses required for the major is by questionnaire and interview. Contact the school in early January prior to attendance at the University to request an information letter and questionnaire.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 36 units including
two core courses below
Introduces the many ways artists have employed moving images across artistic disciplines. By the completion of the course students should have a good sense of both the historical innovations and traditions in moving-image arts as well as the use of moving images in the contemporary art scene.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Laura Marks |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
E101 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E102 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E103 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E104 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E105 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E106 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E107 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E108 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
E109 |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
An introduction to the techniques of artistic composition as experienced in a collaborative interdisciplinary studio environment. The emphasis is on the creation, analysis and critique of new compositions created in collaborative groups by students in dance, music, theatre, film/video and visual art. Prerequisite: One of CA 122, 130, 145, 150, 160, 170.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Robert Kitsos |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
plus one lower division CA course outside of film+
and all of
The first of two courses which introduces students to artistic creation in film, with an emphasis on play and experimentation with image and sound. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: Declared status in the film major, film honors or extended film minor.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Simone Rapisarda |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D101 |
Simone Rapisarda |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
The second of two courses which introduces students to artistic creation in film, with an emphasis on play and experimentation with image and sound. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA 130.
Examines the early development of cinema from 1890 until about 1945, with particular emphasis on the fundamental principles of film as an art form. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Breadth-Humanities.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Christopher Pavsek |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Examines selected developments in cinema from 1945 to the present, with attention to various styles of artistic expression in film. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Breadth-Humanities.
The first of two courses which guides students through processes of creative collaboration in film. Students will merge diverse ideas and perspectives into cohesive, shared artistic visions, with an emphasis on creative research and preproduction planning. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA 131. Corequsite: CA 233.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nadia Shihab |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D101 |
Nadia Shihab |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
The second of two courses which guides students through processes of creative collaboration in film. Students will merge diverse ideas and perspectives into cohesive, shared artistic visions, with an emphasis on production, post-production, revision, and exhibition. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA 230.
Advances technical skills to work confidently and safely in collaborative film production settings. Students will benefit from professional training in the field of contemporary filmmaking. A laboratory fee is required. Prerequisite: CA 131. Corequisite: CA 230.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sessional |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
and one of*
Covers a specific topic within the field of cinema studies not covered in depth in other regularly scheduled courses. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Students with credit for CA 237 may take this course for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: One of CA 135, 136, 137, or 186. Breadth-Humanities.
Surveys a range of historic and contemporary experimental moving-image works, with an emphasis on those that cross and transcend categories, create new forms and genres, reflect on the materiality of the medium, and express subjectivities in ways historically unseen in mainstream film. Prerequisite: One of CA 117, 118, 135, 136 or 137 or 30 units.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nadia Shihab |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Examines the achievements of dramatic, documentary and experimental filmmaking in Canada from the earliest days until the present. Special attention will be paid to the cinemas of Quebec and western Canada, and to the cultural, political and theoretical traditions that have shaped contemporary cinema in Canada. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: 3 units in film or cinema studies (CA 135, 136, 186, 235, 216 (or 237), 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335)) or 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.
* with prior approval, students may substitute lower division courses from other departments devoted to a film or video topic to fulfil this requirement
*** may be repeated under another topic
+ See advisor for course options.
++ highly recommended
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 48 units including*
all of
The first of two courses which supports students in exploring process-driven filmmaking. Through individual and collaborative film projects, students will push their creative boundaries and begin to refine their unique voices as artists. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA 231 and declared status in the film major or film honours. Students with credit for CA 390 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Noe Rodriguez Hernandez |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D101 |
Noe Rodriguez Hernandez |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
The second of two courses which supports students in exploring process-driven filmmaking. Through individual and collaborative film projects, students will push their creative boundaries and begin to refine their unique voices as artists. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA 330. Students with credit for CA 393 may not take this course for further credit.
The first of two courses which supports students in all stages of filmmaking, culminating in a self-directed thesis film project and a final year exhibition. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA 331.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Chris Chong Chan Fui |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
D101 |
Chris Chong Chan Fui |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
The second of two courses which supports students in all stages of filmmaking, culminating in a self-directed thesis film project and a final year exhibition. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA 430. Students with credit for CA 432 may not take this course for further credit.
plus three upper division CA courses outside of film
and two of
Examines a range of historical and contemporary theoretical approaches to cinema and moving images in order to understand the development of film theory as a discipline. Through lectures, seminars and screenings, students will explore the ways in which cinema represents the world, impacts the psyche and the body, and functions politically and ideologically. Prerequisite: Six units from among CA 136, 137, 216, 236. Recommended: CA 210W (or 210).
Intensive study and analysis of selected topics in film theory, history, criticism and aesthetics. Examples include: work of specific directors or periods; theories of narrativity; particular aspects of national cinemas, etc. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: 60 units, including one of CA 216, 235, 236, 316 or 318.
and three of
Intensive study of a specific approach to film praxis, in which students create projects through experimentation with film form. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. This course cannot be taken concurrently with other Film Forms courses. Prerequisite: 36 units in CA courses, including CA 285.
Intensive study of a specific approach to film praxis, in which students create projects through experimentation with film form. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. This course cannot be taken concurrently with other Film Form courses. Prerequisite: 36 units in CA courses, including CA 285.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Simone Rapisarda |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Intensive study of a specific approach to film praxis, in which students create projects through experimentation with film form. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. This course cannot be taken concurrently with other Film Forms courses. Prerequisite: 36 units in CA courses, including CA 285.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Chris Chong Chan Fui |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Students will explore and apply a range of writing processes for film. Through writing, critique, and revision, students will create text(s) that can form the basis of a future film project. Prerequisite: 36 units in CA courses. Writing.
Intensive study of a specific approach to film praxis, in which students create projects through experimentation with film form. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. This course cannot be taken concurrently with other Film Forms courses. Prerequisite: 36 units in CA courses, including CA 285.
Students will explore and apply a range of creative producing strategies for film projects. They will develop proposals for funding, examine distribution and exhibition models, and identify ethical approaches for producing. Prerequisite: 55 units in CA courses or prior instructor approval.
and two of
Investigates a selected thematic topic in art and performance studies such as: postcolonial theory and the arts; perception and embodiment; art activism and resistance; or urban art and culture. This course can be repeated twice for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: 45 units. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sessional |
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Examines aspects of critical writing associated with the historical and contemporary arts and encourages students to participate as writers in the artistic and cultural debates of their day. Forms examined will include but not be limited to reviews, articles, descriptive synopses for exhibition and festival programs, curatorial essays, project proposals and artists' statements. Prerequisite: 45 units, including one of CA 210W, 216, 228W, 235, 236, 257W, 316, 318 or 344. Students with credit for CA 319 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Provides an in-depth investigation of a selected theoretical, historical or thematic topic in art and performance studies. This course requires independent research leading to a substantial paper, as well as directed reading preparation for seminars. Topics will vary from term to term. The course may be repeated four times for credit if the topic is different. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units; and one of CA 210W (or 210), 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335), or 357W. Writing.
and the remaining required units chosen from CA upper division courses (placement in courses is based on prerequisites and/or permission of the instructor). See advisor for course options.
* with prior approval, students may substitute upper division courses devoted to a film or video studies topic in other departments, or in directed study in film studies, to fulfil this requirement
** recommended
*** may be repeated under another topic
†may not be completed more than once for credit
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ´óÏó´«Ã½ beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ´óÏó´«Ã½ within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ´óÏó´«Ã½ study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ´óÏó´«Ã½ study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.