Why Iowa?

Iowa helped pioneer film studies—and today, you can hone your craft and find your voice in America’s best small city for the arts.

Turn creativity into storytelling

Advance your craft

Learn from experts

See yourself here

Experience the energy of Iowa City, where filmmakers, dreamers, and storytellers turn vision into art.

Write your story

Iowa’s cinematic arts programs prepare you to think critically, create boldly, and lead in a changing media world.

faculty helping student with VR

15

Full-time faculty
student in camera check out

229

Undergraduate cinema majors

Fall 2025 data

179

Undergraduate screenwriting majors

Fall 2025 data

screenwriting student in class workshopping

70 +

Courses taught
student in theatre discussing films

News and announcements

Dewey Stuit Fund Student Award

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Congratulations to screenwriting student Danny Willis for being awarded from the Dewey Stuit Fund for Undergraduate Research to support her ongoing work on a script called NORTHSIDE!

New publication in ARTFORUM from Professor Michael Cowan

Thursday, February 5, 2026
Professor Michael Cowan has a new publication in ARTFORUM outlining the rich history of avant-garde filmmakers working in advertising, from the 1920s to more recent advertising work by the likes of Jean-Luc Godard and David Lynch. The article accompanies a major retrospective of avant-garde advertisements currently playing at Anthology Film Archives in New York.

Dicharry to lead International Writing Program

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Cate Dicharry, departmental administrator for Cinematic Arts, will become the program’s next director in January.

Events

Death of a Brewer: Trailer Teaser Screening & Discussion promotional image

Death of a Brewer: Trailer Teaser Screening & Discussion

Thursday, February 19, 2026 5:30pm
Old Capitol Museum
Death of a Brewer film trailer screening and discussion at Old Capitol Museum as part of FREE WEEK in Iowa City
The University of Iowa Computing Conference (UICC) 2026 promotional image

The University of Iowa Computing Conference (UICC) 2026

Saturday, February 21 to Sunday, February 22, 2026 (all day)
University of Iowa Main Library
Welcome students, faculty, and all members of the community to our annual UIowa Computing Conference!
The University of Iowa Computing Conference (UICC) 2026 promotional image

The University of Iowa Computing Conference (UICC) 2026

Sunday, February 22, 2026 (all day)
University of Iowa Main Library
Welcome students, faculty, and all members of the community to our annual UIowa Computing Conference!
One Day for Iowa | The University of Iowa's Annual Giving Day promotional image

One Day for Iowa | The University of Iowa's Annual Giving Day

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (all day)
Virtual

One Day for Iowa returns on Wednesday, March 25, marking 10 years of Hawkeyes coming together to support what matters most at the University of Iowa.

Our 24-hour online giving day is a chance for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to make an impact—supporting scholarships, research, health care, the arts, student experiences, and more. With special matching and unlocking opportunities throughout the day, every gift has the power to go further.

Celebrate a decade of generosity. Be part...

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