Does the University of Arkansas have a film program?

As of right now, the University of Arkansas (UArk) does not have a B.A. or BFA in Film. This is why Film Society exists, so we can bridge students with this common interest and passion.

However, there are several film courses and classes at the University. The Experimental Media Arts (EMA) program at the School of Art (ARTS) has Experiments in Moving Image/Sound courses as well as access to advanced cinema cameras, audio equipment, lighting, other gear, and access to editing bays. Prior EMA students have made films for their theses. This course is best suited for those with a cinematographic or visual language focus.

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SJSM) has a Multimedia concentration under the Journalism BA (JOUR), as well as a Broadcast concentration. The program also offers several video production courses and a Documentary master's. This program is best for those who want to pursue documentary.

Theatre (THTR) offers a screenwriting course, and the program as a whole equips students in acting, writing, directing, and more. Technical theatre students have focused on lighting and sound design, and many of the skills transfer very well to the screen.

The Communications Department (COMM) offers filmmaking courses under special topics, including Intro to Filmmaking, Experimental Filmmaking, and more. This department also is where the film theory classes are listed under. Some classes study a genre of film, and then will carry out a production for a project.

Note that the above information is true as of Feb 26, 2025. Degree requirements and courses offered change regularly. You can contact your advisor for more information, although with special topics courses such as film, searching in Workday/UA Connect or contacting the department directly may yield better results.

How can I get involved in NWA Filmmaking?

For UArk students, we're a great start! However, here's a list of resources/organizations in the community you may want to be aware of:

Fayetteville Public Television (FPTV) - Public resource from the City of Fayetteville, including free equipment and several classes, from basic field recording to advanced special effects. Projects made using FPTV equipment will be screened on their channel. https://www.faypublic.tv/
Fayetteville Public Library Center for Innovation (CFI) - Fully equipped studios in photo, video, and sound with educational orientations regularly offered to members interested (mandatory for video and sound, not for photo). https://www.faylib.org/innovation
Micheaux Award & Film Lab - Film lab and resource for Arkansas BIPOC filmmakers https://www.micheauxfilmlabs.org/ 
Arkansas Public Theatre- Rogers-based theatre company with involvement and support of several local film productions. Hosts of the Rogers Film Festival. https://www.arkansaspublictheatre.org/rogers-short-film-fest
Northwest Arkansas Screenwriters Collective - Regular meeting group for screenwriters with Facebook group. https://www.nwascreenwriters.com/
Cache Create - Creative Community, Professional development programs https://cachecreate.org/yolo/
NWA Film Club -  Film club that partners with local businesses for pop-up screenings https://www.nwafilm.club/
The Stopdown -  Monthly film photography group with regular speaker events. Good for building connections with other camera people! https://www.instagram.com/thestopdownclub/

We also highly recommend you join the Film in Arkansas Discord channel for crewing and networking opportunities: https://discord.com/invite/u78HCt4c

What are some local film festivals I can get involved with?

Bentonville Film Festival https://bentonvillefilm.org/
Rogers Film Festival https://www.arkansaspublictheatre.org/rogers-short-film-fest
FilmLand https://www.arkansascinemasociety.org/filmland

We recommend checking out Film Freeway to see what festivals are open and what your projects qualify for!

What are some other orgs on campus I can be involved with?

For filmmaking, we're the main resource, but there are some other orgs that can be helpful for you as a filmmaker!

Film Appreciation Forum (FAF) - Weekly meetings to discuss current events in film
The Playground - Scriptwriting collective, biweekly meetings to review and read your scripts and staged readings each semester

Non-narrative opportunities with related skillset:
UA Photographic Society - Practice in traditional and contemporary photography
The Collective NWA/Hill Records - Student-run record companies for students interested in audio production and sound design
George's Majestic Ambassador Program - Semesterly ambassador partnership with local music venue George's Majestic Lounge. Opportunities for concert photography and videography.
Student Media - Several photo and video opportunities. For documentary/broadcast: Razorback Reels and UATV; for digital marketing: Hill Media; for photography: Hill Magazine, the Traveler, etc. (although Hill does more editorial compared to the newspaper)

Check out HogSync for the full, up-to-date list of RSOs at UArk!