Rob Groeneboer
Professor
Film and Video maker. Written and directed several short films and videos which have been screened internationally. Teaches all aspects of film production.
MoreFilm
Our BFA program combines rigorous technical training and skills development with extensive instruction in cinema studies and history. Students draw on courses throughout the School to deepen their understanding of other artistic disciplines – an understanding we consider essential to the creative life of every successful film and media artist.
Program Information
BFA students learn by making their own films and videos in each year of their program, and begin working with 16mm in their first semester. Students work closely with instructors in small classes. Our program is collaborative and cohort-based, and this is one of our greatest strengths. Students’ success comes from working together with their peers and faculty in the School and with professionals in the wider world. This leads to long-term peer support and partnership after school, a strategy that has produced a large number of prize-winning films by our grads. For example, in 2012, SFU films made up a remarkable 35% of the program for the Canadian Student Film Festival. One of this year’s films earned Honourable Mention as Best Short Film at the Toronto International Film Festival and is currently in distribution as part of TIFF’s “Canada’s Top Ten” program.
We maintain a close relationship with national and regional festivals, federal and provincial media agencies, broadcasters, labs, post-houses, sound houses, and industry professionals. Students develop expertise and contacts through visiting artists – sessional instructors who teach advanced professional skills – and through Praxis-sponsored programs like the annual Survival Skills Day.
The School offers three options in Film
The Program in Film offers three possible options for study:
Major in Film (BFA)
Extended Minor in Film
Minor in Film and Video Studies.
MFA students can also focus on film production in their program.
Note that students applying for admission to the Film program must apply directly to the School for Contemporary Arts in early spring and must also submit a separate application for admission to Simon Fraser University. Acceptance in the Film program is conditional upon acceptance into SFU.
Interdisciplinary
Students are uniquely positioned in the film program to take advantage of the interdisciplinary offerings of the School for the Contemporary Arts as a whole. The programs in Dance, Visual Art, Theatre, Music, and Art and Culture provide exciting opportunities for inter- and cross-disciplinary exploration and cooperation. Students can also participate in screenwriting progams at the Praxis Centre for Screenwriting.
Faculty Profile
Alumni Reflections
"The four years I spent at SFU not only defined me as a filmmaker, but established the closest and most important working relationships I have now -- it really is a great program."
Andrew Currie, Writer/Director, Anagram Pictures
