Film Studies

Over the three years of the Bachelor of Arts in Cinema, students discover the diversity of film writing, from documentary to fiction. The program promotes formal risk-taking and encourages the exploration of areas of hybridisation between genres, while emphasising films in tune with today’s world. Students learn to master the techniques of filming, sound recording, editing and post-production. In addition, they cultivate their vision, critical thinking and ability to express themselves through theory courses. 

The first year includes sound and image, archive and lighting practices (outdoor and in the studio). The workshop courses introduce students to film creation with the help of internationally renowned directors and technicians. 
In the second year, students choose between the Film Directing, Editing or Sound majors. The sophomore year enables students to deepen their technical knowledge and complete two films: one is a fiction film about local places, the other is a “Grand Voyage” project during which the students get to explore a new land or country in the company of a renowned local filmmaker. 

The third year is dedicated to the realisation of the graduation project, which includes a film and theory essay. Collaboration between students from all majors continues through the creation of film crews and editing and post-production teams. At the same time, students prepare a portfolio of their work in order get ready for their professional integration. 

Developing a personal cinematographic vision, understanding the filmmaking process and apprehending the stakes of production so as to pave the way for graduates to smoothly join professional circles – such are the main objectives of this programme. This Master course, which is unique in Europe, is aimed at the holders of a Bachelor’s degree, or with equivalent experience, wishing to further their knowledge in one of the following fields: direction scriptwriting, editing, sound or production.
Through courses and workshops provided by renowned lecturers in each field, the students develop a personal project throughout the curriculum. For their master project, they are involved in the production (direction scriptwriting, editing, sound or production) of a short, medium or feature length film (fiction, documentary, TV series, art-house, transmedia…). Several films gain international visibility through renowned festivals or/and TV broadcasting.
This Master programme relies on a partnership between ECAL and HEAD/Geneva University of Art and Design and on collaborations with Lausanne University (UNIL), Zurich University (UZH), Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK), the Swiss National Film Archive in Lausanne, Swiss National Broadcasting RTS, and la Manufacture (school of performing arts) in Lausanne, University of Music Lausanne and Swiss Literature Institute in Bienne.

For all information regarding registrations, please refer here.