Filmmaking
The world needs more creatives like you making films.
Filmmaking is a dynamic creative process that blends artistry with a multitude of learnable skills, from storytelling and cinematography to editing and sound design. It demands not only hard work and determination but also a deep commitment to collaboration, as it takes a dedicated team to transform a vision into a quality film.
Through a passion for film and teamwork, Stephens’ Filmmaking program provides the essential tools to bring your stories to life. We hope you will join us.
Program Features
- Begin working with professional film equipment your first semester on campus.
- Work alongside industry professionals during the Stephens Film Institute — a week-long production at the end of the spring semester.
- Continue writing, producing and directing original films throughout your career at Stephens.
- Graduate with a body of work that has been screened to a professional jury and at community events.
- Get support in submitting your work to outside film festivals.


This intensive summer experience brings together Filmmaking students, professional guest filmmakers, and filmmaking faculty to produce, shoot and edit a film together.
Learn MoreOur students actively produce films throughout their time at Stephens.
Learn More
The Senior Showcase is the culmination of a full year of work. It’s run like a film festival, with a Q+A for directors.
Alumni Showcase



What Sets Us Apart
- Our filmmakers learn by doing. You will be immersed in filmmaking gear and begin making films your first semester.
- We have two large soundstage studios. Rain or shine, we are making films year-round.
- Access to a screening room to see your work on the big screen anytime you like.
- Technology: Students have free access to a full range of filmmaking equipment maintained by the film program faculty and library staff.
- Columbia’s annual documentary film festival, True/False, is an integral part of spring semester film courses. Stephens students get behind-the-scenes experience by serving as festival volunteers.
- Columbia’s strong local arts community includes Ragtag Cinema, a few short blocks from the Stephens campus.
- Our students attend regular masterclasses with visiting industry professionals.

Students Begin Production Journey on Alpha-Gal Web Series Ahead of ’26 Summer Film Institute
Early work begins for the 2026 Summer Film Institute (SFI), students are already writing, filming, directing, and acting in scenes from Alpha-Gal, an original web series that will begin production in May 2026.
48 Hour Competition Results:
- Best Film: The Last Ride of the Lone Bandit by Sophia Quayle and CJ Ward (both Filmmaking majors!)
- Best Cinematography and Lighting: Alex Mertzlufft, Brynn Woods, Alisha Gupta
- Best Performance by an Actor: Tilia Saxton
- Audience Award: Everlasting Sunset
Related programs
Master of Fine Arts in TV & Screenwriting

Contact Us
FilmMaking
Chase Thompson, Associate Professor, Film Program Chair
(573) 876-7168
Contact Stephens College
