MFA in Documentary Filmmaking

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This two-year, full-time, low-residency MFA in Documentary Filmmaking at Maharishi International University aims to equip filmmakers to make a meaningful impact globally. Dedicated to nurturing a new generation of documentary storytellers committed to positive societal change, our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is based on the belief that documentaries possess the transformative power to inform, entertain, inspire, challenge, and shape the world. 

The MFA approaches documentary filmmaking as an ongoing journey of discovery and growth. Our program equips students with the skills and mindset to continue learning, adapting, and making a difference throughout their careers. Through selfdevelopment and accessing deeper levels of consciousness, students create documentaries that reflect universal human themes and experiences. Our motto is Meditate and Create. 

Our mission is to offer a rigorous education in documentary filmmaking, emphasizing high standards of storytelling, cinematography, and editing. We encourage students to push the boundaries of their craft and express their unique voices. The program emphasizes the potential for documentaries to effect positive change, addressing social, environmental, and cultural challenges. We empower students to raise awareness, advocate for justice, and drive transformation through storytelling. 

We emphasize the ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking, encouraging respectful engagement with subjects and communities, and a commitment to accurate representation. We teach the importance of informed and responsible storytelling. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity and encourage exploration of a wide range of subjects and voices. We believe diverse perspectives enrich the documentary landscape and enhance our collective understanding of the world. 

We welcome passionate individuals to join our MFA program and become catalysts for change through the art of documentary filmmaking. Together, we strive to create a more just, informed, and compassionate world through the transformative power of documentary storytelling. 

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

To apply to the MFA in Documentary Filmmaking Program, applicants must submit the following: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent: Submit transcript(s) showing an earned bachelor’s degree in film, media, or related fields. Alternatively, an applicant’s portfolio may be sufficient to be accepted onto the program if it demonstrates significant experience and skills in filmmaking. 
• Resume or CV: Provide a current resume that details relevant degrees, coursework, professional experience, awards, and accomplishments. 
• Portfolio: Submit a portfolio of work in film or media-related fields. Applicants lacking technical skills in areas such as camera operation, lighting, or video editing will be required to complete technical film courses before starting the program.
•  Statement of Purpose: Write a statement (minimum one page) explaining why they are interested in joining MIU’s MFA in Documentary Filmmaking Program.
• Letters of Recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with their academic or professional work. 
• Interview: Participate in an interview with the Program Directors and Faculty.
• Transcendental Meditation (TM) Requirement: Learn the Transcendental Meditation technique before the start of classes. Students not already practicing TM will receive instruction in the technique during their first course.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successfully completing the MFA in Documentary Filmmaking, students will demonstrate proficiency through:

1. Storytelling and Analysis: Graduates of the program will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze societal issues, effectively translating them into compelling documentary narratives that engage and inform diverse audiences.

2. Production skills. Write, shoot, produce, and edit three documentary films from conception to completion. Envision, plan, and realize documentary projects that engage people on a deep level.

3. Connection to Universal Experience: Through self-development and accessing deeper levels of consciousness, create documentaries that reflect universal human themes and experience.

4. Ethical and Inclusive Filmmaking: Graduates will exhibit a deep understanding of ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking, including respect for diverse perspectives and the responsible portrayal of individuals and communities. They will promote inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and social justice in their work.

5. Media Innovation and Adaptability: Graduates will embrace emerging technologies and innovative storytelling techniques in documentary filmmaking. They will demonstrate adaptability and creativity in the face of evolving media landscapes, allowing them to remain at the forefront of documentary practice for social transformation. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 

To graduate with an MFA in Documentary Filmmaking, students must have passed all required courses and completed all required coursework in the program to earn a minimum of 60 credits of course work over a 2-year period. At the end of the program, students will have produced the following: 

1. Thesis Project: A polished, longform Documentary Film (30 minutes or longer). Upon presentation at the end of the program, the film will be reviewed and given written feedback by a panel of faculty and outside reviewers according to the following rubric: 

• Production Quality 
• Storytelling Quality 
• Balanced and Ethical Perspective 

2. Business and Production Assets: A website, project proposal, pitch deck, trailer, and application on Film Freeway set up for at least the longform film.

3. Portfolio: A minimum of two additional short films (5-20 min) and other short productions.

4. Final Presentation: Students pitch their final project(s), present their portfolios, and reflect on their personal growth throughout the program in front of a panel of MFA faculty and guest faculty.