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

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.

Remembering Lauren Rabinovitz

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
The Department of Cinematic Arts joins the many colleagues, students, friends, and family of Professor Lauren Rabinovitz in mourning her death while honoring her remarkably rich life and career.

Students front and center of new gameday commercial — and behind it, too

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
University of Iowa team taps into the skills of students to serve as consultants, create mixed media animation, and provide the voice-over for this year’s spot, “Iowa Feels Like Home.”

Events

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: American Media Production in Hungary  promotional image

Study Abroad Faculty-led Program Information Session: American Media Production in Hungary

Friday, January 30, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual
Led by UI faculty leader Tim Havens, explore how and why Budapest has become a major media hub. You will have the opportunity to visit production studios, tour famous Hungarian filming locations, and experience the film industry firsthand.
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
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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