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

Shadow Play Across the Arts + Humanities: An Exhibition and Symposium on the Shadow Silhouette

Monday, April 20, 2026
Shadow Play Across the Arts and Humanities was an interdisciplinary symposium held on April 16th at the University of Iowa's Visual Arts Building. The event explored shadow as an interdisciplinary medium across art, film, and performance and through diverse presentations and collaborations, it highlighted shadow’s creative, cultural, and critical potential.

From Iowa to SNL: Brooks Wheelan Campus Visit & Stand-up Show

Monday, April 20, 2026
UI alum Brooks Wheelan returned to campus for classes, Q&A sessions, and a performance, giving students direct insight into pursuing comedy. His emphasis on persistence, personal storytelling, and community left a lasting impact, inspiring students to see new possibilities for their own creative paths.

Behind the Camera: Student Organizations Powering Cinematic Arts

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Discover the student organizations shaping Iowa’s cinematic community—and the leaders driving creativity, collaboration, and connection across campus.

Events

There are currently no events to display.

View more events