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Admissions requirements

For applicants to the MFA in Cinematic Arts

Step 1: Complete Concordia's admissions application

For new applicants

All new applicants must apply online at the Graduate Admissions Application Centre before submitting a portfolio.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Attach the following documents to the your Concordia Admissions application. Please note that documents can also be uploaded after an application has been submitted. 

  • Your application must include a transcript from each university-level institution(s) previously attended
  • Statement of Purpose (500 words max)
  • CV/Resume and Filmography
  • Three letters of reference:
    You will be asked to provide current email addresses for three referees. Concordia will email a unique link directly to your referees. They will be prompted to complete the assessment form online and upload a letter of reference. Your referees will have access to the link for 14 days. Reference letters must be received no later than February 1
  • All other required documents

Please save your documents as a word doc or PDF. Some of the same documents are required when you submit your portfolio.

Step 3: Curate your portfolio

 The portfolio aspect of your application must be submitted via SlideRoom (Step 4). This is a separate step to the general application. Portfolio items may be in any supported audio/video format. The H.264 compression profile is recommended. Maximum video size of 500MB, or linked to Slideroom from Youtube or Vimeo.

Live Action Filmmakers: Submit 1-10 moving image items with a combined run-time of 30 minutes.

In addition to moving image, film, and other creative work, all applicants must submit a research creation thesis proposal.  

Animation Filmmakers: Submit 1-5 animated films and up to 10 examples of other creative work if they are representative of an existing cinematic practice (e.g., motion graphics, comics/graphic novels, illustration, painting/drawing/sculpture/printmaking/photography/fibre arts, installation work, graphic arts, design, etc).

In addition to moving image, film, and other creative work, all applicants must submit a research creation thesis proposal.

Research Creation Thesis Proposal: 5-page thesis proposal, outlining how you plan to integrate theoretical and practical elements in your cinematic arts practice. Suggested elements to include:

  • Working Title & Abstract - Define and summarize your research creation proposal.
  • Preliminary Research - A draft of your preliminary research may include a literature review and a summary of your research topic.
  • Methodology - Explain your approach to the research-creation process. Explain your methodology for information gathering, as well as your creative practice.
  • Significance - Indicate the purpose of the work you hope to accomplish. Where does it fit into the cinematic arts landscape? What contribution will it make to the community at large?
  • Production Timeline & Budget - A draft of your project timeline during the two-year program, and a table outlining all expenses necessary.
  • Bibliography - Be sure to include all relevant artistic influences, which may include: films, art installations, performances, and other materials. Include all references to publications, articles, websites, and other sources.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the program, or to request more information please contact production.cinema@concordia.ca

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