Department of Cinema & Media Arts

I chose AMPD because York has the oldest film production program in Canada, so I knew I could trust the quality of the education and the resources offered throughout my four years. One of the biggest advantages is that our professors are deeply connected to the industry and are actively working in the field.

Kush, Fourth-year Production Student

As an undergraduate, I was able to watch films—and eventually tried my hand at making them. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was life changing. Then, as a graduate student, I was given the space to think more deeply about media arts and to make my film The Urge to Run a Lap. AMPD influenced how I think about filmmaking, and how to see images, myself and others.

Lesley Loksi Chan (BFA ‘08, MFA ‘18)

Canadian Artist and Filmmaker

Throughout my program, I found my AMPD peers to be exceptionally talented, collaborative and inspiring, and I had incredible support from the faculty, particularly my final semester adviser Carol Anna McBride, who constantly inspired us students to think we could leverage our creative skills to bring meaningful change once we stepped out into the world.

Bhabna Banerjee (BFA ‘20)

Production

In today’s ever-changing field of media arts, staying current with new technologies and methodologies is vital. My time at York emphasized not just the hard skills for the technology of today, but also helped me develop the ability to grow and adapt to the technology of tomorrow.

Alysa Collucci

Media Arts (BFA 2024)

The great thing about Integrative Arts is that it’s a multidisciplinary program, so I get to dive into every kind of medium – a little bit of film, 3D modelling, sculpting and more. I enjoy learning different art techniques, it's a great program for people who want to be well-rounded.

Nisha Selvarajah

Fourth-Year Integrative Arts Student

When I first looked into screenwriting programs in Canada, there weren't many options. So when I found AMPD, it really opened up possibilities for me. And of course, being in Toronto, it's easy to access studios and travel around. AMPD exceeded my expectations.

Tianna Reynolds

Second-Year Screenwriting Student

What I enjoy most about the screenwriting program is how hands-on it is. They really give us time to start with an idea and develop it. Through my courses, I even get to go from script to screen myself. It's cool to have both the script and the film in my hands.

Daniela Corallo

Second-year Screenwriting Student

I chose to come to AMPD because York offers the only university-level screenwriting program in the entire country. The networking opportunities here, combined with being located in Toronto—the hub of Canada's film industry—definitely played a key role in my decision to join this program.

Victoria Austin

Second-year Screenwriting Student

As an international student, I feel that AMPD has a very welcoming community. Since my first year, I've learned things from screenwriting to film analysis to spending time on set. I like that I can choose what interests me.

Gabi Barros

Fourth-year Cinema & Media Arts student

International Student - Brazil

What I really love about this program is the network that you create with your classmates. From first year all the way to fourth year you're with a great group of students that you'll spend time with both in and outside of the classroom. As a Film student, I also really appreciate being able to take courses outside my own discipline.

Chifundo Thangata

Fourth-year Production student

International Student - Kenya

Albert Shin, BFA 2006

The theory and fundamental skills I gained at York for creative movie-making through development and production prepared me for my career. I would suggest that students absorb the experience and learn by forcing mistakes, pushing the limits and networking. As one of my third-year professors said, ‘When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’

Bill Bannerman (BFA ’83)

Executive Producer, known for The Twilight Saga, The Predator, Masters of the Universe and more.

One of my favourite things about the Screenwriting program is that you can connect with real filmmakers, people who are actually out there and doing what you want to do, so you can watch things that they have made, and hear directly from them about their process; it is just really helpful to know what it takes to make it, and to develop your own stories.

Oliver B

Current student - Screenwriting

I was able to screen the rough cuts in class and get feedback from my peers and professors, and if it weren't for the criticism and advice I received, the film wouldn't be what it is.

Abraham D

Current student - Production

Christa Dickenson (MFA ’93)

CEO of CPAC, the Cable Public Affairs Channel

Howard Barish (BFA ’83)

President/Executive Producer - Kandoo Films, an Oscar nominated, Emmy award-winning entertainment company

Chris Romeike, CSC (MFA ’13)

Cinematographer for The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsals, premiered at TIFF in 2024

Helen Lee (MFA ’24)

Director of Tenderness, premiered as part of TIFF’s Short Cuts program in 2024

Developing Measures for a Funeral in John Greyson's production course at York was a pivotal moment in my creative journey. The insightful guidance from both John and my supervisor, Brenda Longfellow, not only shaped the film but also deepened my understanding of the craft. Their support was instrumental in refining my vision and bringing the project to life.

Sofia Bohdanowicz (MFA ’19)

Director of Measures for a Funeral, premiered at TIFF in 2024