Visual Cultures Program at UCCS - Film & Screen Studies
Sean Forrest, M.A.
Co-Director, Visual Cultures Program - Film & Screen StudiesThe Visual Cultures program with a film & screen studies emphasis in the Visual & Performing Arts major is devoted to the study of film as a multicultural and transnational artistic discipline. The emphasis of this track is on film history, theory, and analysis. The department provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the moving image, which prepares the student for graduate programs in advanced film and media study or as a component to filmmaking. The film & screen studies minor enriches many academic subjects and majors with its critical and multicultural exploration of cinematic expression.
- Sean Forrest, M.A.
Co-Director, Visual Cultures Program - Film & Screen Studies
Academic Programs
History of Art & Visual Culture (Film Studies) Course Descriptions
Film Studies Faculty
From guiding students in screenwriting and short film production to critically analyzing cinema from around the world, the faculty in the VAPA Film Studies program are deeply invested in student success. Our specializations include:
- The affective, ethical-political potentials of moving images
- Austrian, German, and Central European cinema
- British and American film
- Critical analysis of Hollywood films
- Feminist cinema
- Latin American cinema
- Non-Western cinema
- Screenwriting
- Spanish and Italian cinema
Meet Alumni
Rob Bowen
Production Company Founder
Rob Bowen is a freelance videographer, video editor, and the founder of Whatsabudget Films. Rob graduated from UCCS with a BA in VAPA-Film Studies and a minor in Women's & Ethnic Studies. Before attending UCCS, he was already a self-taught indie filmmaker, but he wished to learn about film through a more analytical lens. While on campus, Rob created more than 15 short films as well as a feature-length film.
Some of Rob's favorite memories at the school can be traced to his work on films for the various UCCS film festivals. Since graduating, he has also helped create many instructional videos for the UCCS Nursing program. Having minored in WEST, Rob is a strong advocate for blending aspects of different artforms and fields to create more impactful and representative art. In fact, the courses he recommends most are those that teach the history or culture of another place through films. Asked why this is important, Rob replies, "Everyone has a story. Being able to really highlight that aspect of humanity is very rewarding."
Bowen's advice to new or prospective film students? "Don't hold back when creating art. Bring everything you can to your creations."
Drew Bauer
Video Editor and Filmmaker
Drew Bauer is currently a video editor for locally-based YouTube channel JStu and makes films of his own outside of work. In 2020, he graduated from UCCS with a BA in Film Studies. For the first year and a half of college, Drew was pursuing a scientific degree, but when he took FILM 1000 as an elective with friends, the course clicked for him and he never looked back. Drew credits his degree to the encouragement and support he received from Dr. Robert von Dassanowsky.
While at UCCS, Drew tried to make at least one short film a year to cement the things he was learning and to ensure he stayed creative. His fondest memories of UCCS are of creating films, particularly his 2018 short film SEMI. Bauer's favorite courses in the Film Studies program were director-focused classes where he could learn to use aspects of the styles of the directing masters.
Drew's advice to new or prospective students? "Make your own creative projects. Get involved with other VAPA programs by being part of other people's projects, and make friends in other artistic departments." He also believe that artists should not divide their communities over external political issues because, as he says, "Art is the human experience."
Giving Opportunities
Intersections Film Festival Fund
This fund provides programmatic support for Intersections Film Festival activities at UCCS.
Contact Us
Have questions about our degree programs? Curious about where our graduates end up? Contact us for more information.