Concordia’s film production programs will triple in size by 2024
Concordia will triple the capacity of the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema’s film production programs by 2024, accommodating more than 220 new students from a field of close to 800 annual applicants.
The expansion aims to ensure Quebec’s thriving cinema and television industry benefits from the creative and highly trained graduates who have cemented the school’s reputation over its nearly half-century of existence.
“Concordia takes to heart its mission to ensure the educational opportunities we offer respond to advances in rapidly transforming sectors of today’s society,” says Concordia President Graham Carr.
“This major expansion of programming within our School of Cinema will allow new graduates to continue thrive and make even more of an impact in Quebec’s dynamic film industry.”
“I believe the creativity of our artists expresses our cultural identity as Quebecers and communicates our distinctiveness around the world,” says Annie Gérin, dean of Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts. “We’re pleased to be able to innovate within our School of Cinema to ensure we support the vision and talent of our filmmakers as they enrich Quebec’s cultural industries.”
Propelling talented creators
The Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema plans to launch new short-term microprograms, one-year undergraduate certificates and graduate diplomas in film production as a response to industry calls for upgrading the professional training of its highly skilled workers.
It will also open up more highly sought-after spaces in its BFA and MFA film production programs.
In 2021, the school developed a successful Microprogram in Screenwriting and Film Producing, offered in both French and English. It is being delivered online to increase access to professional training regardless of geography or educational background.
In spring 2023, the Faculty of Fine Arts will launch a Microprogram in Digital Cinema Production, and in summer 2023 it will introduce a masterclass for industry professionals. In addition, the faculty is currently developing a Graduate Diploma in the Arts, Media and Cultural Industries, in conjunction with Concordia’s John Molson School of Business.
“We’re already proud to be Canada’s largest and most comprehensive university centre for film animation, film production and film studies,” says Martin Lefebvre, chair of the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. “This expansion will allow us to further solidify our reputation as a film school where imagination joins artistic and technical skill to propel our most talented creators to the highest levels of the cinematic arts.”
Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema alumni can be found working as film professionals in Quebec and the rest of Canada, as well as in the United States, Europe and Asia. Alums who have contributed to elevating Quebec cinema on the world stage include André Turpin, BFA 89; Chloé Robichaud, BFA 10; Kim Nguyen, BFA 97; Pascale Bussière, attendee 91; Jeff Barnaby, BFA 04; Benoît Pilon, BFA 87; Louise Archambault, BFA 93, MFA 00; Yves Bélanger, BFA 84; Pierre Gill, BFA 88; and Stephen Campanelli, BFA 83.
Find out more about Concordia’s Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema.
