FILM STUDIES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Evolution of a Visionary Program

It was in 1991 that the Interdepartmental Program in Film Studies was founded, its continuing vision to meet the growing interest in moving image texts and theory and to provide a substantial, targeted program of study conferring a certificate in Film Studies upon successful completion and graduation from the University.

Enrollments grew rapidly, and in 1993, Film Studies launched the first annual Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival. Designed as a semester-long series film offerings for students, faculty, and the interested public, the MMFF presents the best of new fiction, documentary and experimental filmmaking by international filmmakers. The festival seeks to cultivate an appreciation of film and the moving image, to inspire audiences to a deeper understanding of the world's cultures through film, and to celebrate past, present and future achievements of international filmmaking within a university setting.

In 2000, the program hosted the first Michael S. Roif Award in Film Studies, a competitive annual prize made possible by a gift from the Roif family in honor of Michael S. Roif, a University alumnus and film enthusiast. The prize is awarded each year to students enrolled in our Undergraduate Film Studies Certificate Program whose film, video, or moving-image-media work demonstrates exceptional creativity and accomplishment.

The program expanded in 2009 with the inauguration of the Graduate Certificate in Film Studies offering graduate students the opportunity to have their work and interest in film studies formally acknowledged as an important part of their graduate training.

Director of Film Studies, Professor Catherine Portuges was awarded the Pro Cultura Hungarica Medal by the Republic of Hungary in 2009 for her contributions to cinema and, in 2010, she received the Chancellor's Medal for distinguished faculty from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

As we reflect on the successes of these first twenty years, and in light of the vital importance of film and media studies, we look forward to further cultivating our contributions to undergraduate and graduate study, the university and local community, and international cinema studies.