Broadcast Education Association (BEA): BEA is a premier international academic media organization, driving insights, excellence in media production, and career advancement for educators, students, and professionals. It offers memberships for students, which include access to BEA’s vast resource library, scholarship opportunities, and the ability to participate in their annual conference and competitions.
The Broadcast Education Association’s (BEA) Festival of Media Arts is a competitive festival open to BEA individual faculty and student members. Here’s a guide on how students can submit their work to the festival.
University Film and Video Association (UFVA): UFVA is an organization for professors, scholars, and film and video makers. It offers student memberships that provide access to a community of professionals, annual conferences, and publications related to film and video production and education.
Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS): SCMS is a leading scholarly organization in the United States dedicated to promoting a broad understanding of film, television, and related media. They offer student memberships, which include subscription to Cinema Journal, access to a job database, and opportunities to apply for travel grants to attend the annual conference.
Film Archives and Libraries
Internet Archive’s Moving Image Archive: A digital library offering free access to digital movies, including classic films, documentaries, and independent content.
Library of Congress Digital Collections: Provides access to digital collections of historical material, including motion pictures that cover a wide range of topics and periods in history. This is an excellent resource for students looking for primary sources and historical films.
British Pathé: An invaluable visual archive offering access to thousands of historic newsreels, videos, and films from the 1890s to the 1970s. British Pathé documents significant historical events, cultures, and innovations of the 20th century.
UCLA Film & Television Archive: Hosts a wide range of collections that include newsreels, silent movies, and TV broadcasts. It’s one of the largest repositories of moving image materials in the United States and is a fantastic resource for research and education.
European Film Gateway: Offers access to hundreds of thousands of film historical documents and videos preserved in European film archives and cinémathèques, ranging from historical silent films to early 20th-century cinema.
National Film Board of Canada: Provides free streaming of thousands of documentaries, animated films, experimental works, and interactive productions from Canada, reflecting Canadian perspectives and diverse cultures.
Australian Screen Online: Offers a rich online archive of Australian film and television, with over 1,000 clips from the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. It includes titles that date back to the early 20th century, making it a valuable resource for studying Australian cinema and cultural history.
The Open Video Project: A repository of digital video content for the digital video, multimedia retrieval, digital library, and other research communities. It includes educational and documentary footage across a wide range of subjects.
Itaú Cultural Play: A free Brazilian streaming platform featuring a diverse catalog of films, series, and cultural programming. It includes curated selections from various festivals and institutions, celebrating Brazil’s rich cinematic history. The platform is accessible via web and mobile devices, and it emphasizes the importance of cinema in understanding cultural and social issues. Registration is straightforward, and the content is available without any advertising.
Online Courses and Educational Platforms
Khan Academy: Pixar in a Box: Offers free behind-the-scenes lessons on Pixar’s filmmaking process, from storytelling to animation.
MIT OpenCourseWare: Film: Offers free access to course materials from MIT, including courses on film theory and digital media.
Video Lectures and Documentaries
TED Talks: Film: Features engaging talks by filmmakers, critics, and experts in the field of cinema from around the world.
Documentary Heaven: A website that provides free access to thousands of documentaries spanning various genres and subjects, including arts and cinema.
PBS Video: Offers a variety of free documentaries and series about art, history, and culture, including film and media.
Blogs and Film Criticism Sites
MUBI Notebook: Offers insightful articles, interviews, and film criticism, focusing on international and independent cinema.
IndieWire: Film: Provides news, reviews, and analysis of independent films and the film industry, with a focus on innovative and international cinema.
Senses of Cinema: An online journal devoted to the serious and eclectic discussion of cinema, including international film and filmmakers.
Film Comment: Published by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, it features reviews, essays, and interviews, focusing on independent and international cinema.
David Bordwell’s blogis a treasure trove of insights into international cinema from one of the most respected film scholars in the world. Co-authored with Kristin Thompson, the blog extends Bordwell’s academic work into a more accessible format, offering deep dives into film analysis, theory, and history. The content ranges from detailed examinations of narrative strategies and stylistic techniques in both contemporary and classic films to discussions on the evolution of cinematic norms and the craft of filmmaking.
Hollywood Industry Trade Journals
Variety: A premier source of entertainment news, including film, TV, and digital content, with in-depth coverage of Hollywood productions and the entertainment industry.
The Hollywood Reporter: Offers film, television, and entertainment news, including reviews, box office results, and industry trends.
Deadline Hollywood: Provides breaking news in the entertainment industry, covering film, television, and international content.
IndieWire: Focuses on independent film, television, and digital news, offering reviews, interviews, and industry analysis.
International Industry Trade Journals
Screen International: Covers the international film industry, including festival reports, market trends, and global film news.
Cineuropa: Dedicated to European cinema, offering news, interviews, and analysis of European film industry and policies.
Film Business Asia: Focuses on the film industry in Asia, providing news, analysis, and data on Asian cinema and box office trends.
The Business of Film: An international film industry magazine that covers production, international sales, distribution, finance, marketing, and more.
Online Journals and Databases
Project MUSE Open Access: Offers free access to a wide range of open-access books and scholarly articles in the humanities and social sciences, including film studies.
Film Matters: Film Matters is an undergraduate academic journal published by Intellect. It’s the first international undergraduate film journal and is dedicated to showcasing the scholarly work of undergraduate students from around the world.
Cinephile: Run by graduate students at the University of British Columbia, Cinephile is a peer-reviewed journal that occasionally publishes outstanding undergraduate work. It focuses on the critical study of cinema.
The Kudzu Review: While primarily a literary magazine, The Kudzu Review, produced by undergraduate students at Florida State University, has been known to feature scholarly essays on film and media studies.
North Carolina Filmmaking Resources
North Carolina Film Office: The official state film office, offering comprehensive information on film productions in North Carolina, including a production directory, filming locations, and details about film incentives. It’s a great starting point for students looking to understand the landscape of film production in the state.
UNC-TV: Public Media North Carolina: As North Carolina’s statewide public media network, UNC-TV offers a variety of programming that includes documentaries, educational content, and films that reflect the diverse aspects of North Carolina’s culture, history, and community. It’s a platform for local filmmakers to potentially collaborate, screen their work, and access a broad audience across the state.
Cucalorus Film Foundation: Based in Wilmington, this foundation supports independent and innovative filmmakers through its annual film festival, residency programs, and community cinema events. It provides opportunities for students to volunteer, intern, and participate in various film-related activities.
Charlotte Film Society: Dedicated to providing a diverse range of film experiences to the Charlotte community, the society offers screenings, special events, and discussions. It’s a platform for students to engage with the film community and learn more about cinema from around the world.
Piedmont Triad Film Commission: Represents the central region of North Carolina and works to attract film, television, and commercial productions to the area. The commission can be a resource for students interested in local production opportunities and industry networking.
Western North Carolina Film Commission: Promotes film production in the western part of the state, offering location scouting assistance and information on regional resources. Students in the area can explore opportunities to get involved with productions coming to this picturesque part of North Carolina.
Triangle Filmmaking Community: An informal network of filmmakers, students, and enthusiasts in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. While not a formal organization, this community often gathers for meetups, workshops, and collaborative projects, making it a valuable network for film students looking to connect with peers and mentors.
North Carolina Production Alliance: A coalition of film, television, and commercial production professionals and companies in North Carolina. The alliance advocates for the state’s production industry and offers networking events and educational opportunities for those looking to break into the industry.
North Carolina Film Festivals
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival: Location: Durham, NC. An international event dedicated to the theatrical exhibition of non-fiction cinema, offering a platform for filmmakers and film enthusiasts to engage in meaningful discussions and networking. Interested in getting involved with the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival or more involved with documentary filmmaking at Elon University? Check out elondocs and reach out to Associate Professor of Cinema & Television Arts Nicole Triche (triche@elon.edu).
RiverRun International Film Festival: Location: Winston-Salem, NC. Showcases a wide variety of film genres from independent films to international cinema, providing educational programs, filmmaker Q&As, and panel discussions.
Carrboro Film Festival: Location: Carrboro, NC. Celebrates independent films of all genres and showcases the vibrant artistic community in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. The festival features screenings, workshops, and opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts to connect.
Cucalorus Film Festival: Location: Wilmington, NC. Celebrates independent and experimental films, and is known for its unique, non-competitive atmosphere, offering workshops, discussions, and live performances.
Charlotte Film Festival: Location: Charlotte, NC. Focuses on showcasing international, independent films and providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to present their work.
Cary Film Festival: Location: Cary, NC. This festival celebrates the art of storytelling through cinema, featuring a curated selection of independent films, screenwriting competitions, and educational workshops. It’s an excellent venue for emerging filmmakers and students interested in the craft of narrative filmmaking.
Cosmic Rays Film Festival: Location: Chapel Hill, NC. Dedicated to experimental, non-commercial films, Cosmic Rays highlights works that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. The festival provides a platform for avant-garde and experimental filmmakers to showcase their unique visions, making it a fascinating event for students interested in the more artistic and experimental aspects of cinema.
Experimental Film Festival: Location: New Bern, NC. Currently, a specific website for an Experimental Film Festival in New Bern is not available, but students can look for local event listings or arts council announcements in New Bern for updates on experimental film showings or festivals.
Out at the Movies Intl. LGBT Film Fest: Location: Winston-Salem, NC. Celebrates LGBTQ+ cinema, showcasing a diverse range of films that explore LGBTQ+ experiences, stories, and cultures. The festival offers screenings, discussions, and networking events, providing a supportive environment for filmmakers and audiences to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in film.
OutSouth Queer Film Festival: Location: Durham, NC. Formerly known as the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, it is one of the Southeast’s largest LGBTQ+ film festivals, showcasing films that reflect diverse perspectives and stories.
Asheville Film Festival: Location: Asheville, NC. Features a range of films from documentaries to narratives and shorts, emphasizing the artistic contributions of filmmakers and providing educational panels.
Carolina Film Festival: Location: Various locations across North Carolina. Aimed at promoting and celebrating aspiring filmmakers, this festival features screenings, awards, and networking opportunities for students and young professionals.
Real to Reel Film Festival: Location: Kings Mountain, NC. Hosted by the Cleveland County Arts Council, this festival showcases a variety of genres, including animations, documentaries, and student films, encouraging interaction between filmmakers and audiences.
Longleaf Film Festival: Location: Raleigh, NC. Hosted by the North Carolina Museum of History, this festival highlights the best of independent film, with a special focus on films that have a connection to North Carolina, either through their content or by the filmmakers themselves.
Tryon International Film Festival: Location: Tryon, NC. This festival showcases films from around the globe, offering workshops, galas, and discussions that foster the exchange of ideas and experiences among filmmakers, students, and film enthusiasts.
Greensboro Film Festival: Location: Greensboro, NC. Focuses on promoting the art of filmmaking and provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival includes screenings, networking events, and educational panels.
Charlotte Black Film Festival: Location: Charlotte, NC. Dedicated to showcasing the voices and stories of African-American filmmakers, this festival includes screenings, workshops, and discussions that celebrate and promote diversity in the film industry.
Eastern North Carolina Film Festival: Location: Winterville, NC. Supports and promotes the film industry in Eastern North Carolina by showcasing independent films and providing networking opportunities for filmmakers and students in the region.
Southern United States Filmmaking Resources
Southern Documentary Fund: Based in Durham, North Carolina, the Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) is a nonprofit organization that supports documentary filmmakers in the American South. SDF provides fiscal sponsorship, project support, and mentorship to filmmakers creating stories that delve into Southern issues, traditions, and culture. This organization is instrumental in bringing compelling Southern stories to a wider audience through documentary cinema.
Atlanta Film Society: Offers year-round programming including the Atlanta Film Festival, educational workshops, and networking events to support the vibrant film community in Atlanta and the broader Southeast region.
New Orleans Film Society: Hosts the annual New Orleans Film Festival and provides numerous opportunities for filmmakers through screenings, filmmaker labs, and industry meetings, fostering a rich film culture in the heart of Louisiana.
Austin Film Society: Founded by filmmaker Richard Linklater, AFS promotes the value of film and supports filmmakers through grants, education, and exhibition, contributing to Austin’s reputation as a hub for independent film.
Nashville Film Festival: One of the longest-running film festivals in the US, offering a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work, alongside panels, workshops, and networking opportunities in the music city.
Film Florida: A state-wide not-for-profit entertainment production association that provides information on film incentives, resources, and networking opportunities to bolster the film and entertainment industry in Florida.
Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema: Located in Birmingham, Sidewalk Film promotes the art of filmmaking by hosting an annual film festival, year-round screenings, and educational programs for filmmakers and students alike.
Indie Grits Labs: A non-profit organization based in Columbia that offers film education, hosts the annual Indie Grits Festival, and supports Southern filmmakers through grants and fellowships.
Ozark Foothills FilmFest: Focuses on showcasing independent and diverse voices in cinema, with a particular interest in promoting films that explore rural life and culture, reflective of the Ozark region.
Mississippi Film Office: Provides resources, location scouting assistance, and information on tax incentives to support film production in Mississippi, along with promoting local talent and workforce development.
International Film Festival Resources
Sundance Co//ab: A community platform offered by the Sundance Film Institute that provides free master classes, webinars, and resources on various aspects of filmmaking, from writing and directing to producing and editing. Sundance Co//ab also hosts Q&A sessions with industry professionals and provides opportunities for feedback on your work.
Cannes Cinéfondation: The educational branch of the Cannes Film Festival focuses on discovering new talent and providing support to emerging filmmakers. They offer various workshops, residencies, and competitions throughout the year.
Berlinale Talents: A development program for emerging filmmakers that takes place during the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). It offers lectures, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry experts, with many resources made available online for free.
Tribeca Talks: A series of free panel discussions and conversations with leading filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals at the Tribeca Film Festival. These talks cover a wide range of topics, from storytelling to the business side of filmmaking.
TIFF Higher Learning: Provided by the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), this program offers free access to events, workshops, and resources aimed at post-secondary students, faculty, and researchers, including filmmaker talks, industry panels, and film analyses.
BFI Education: The British Film Institute’s educational branch offers a wide array of resources, including free online lectures, archival materials, and teaching resources that span the history and theory of film, coinciding with the BFI London Film Festival.
SXSW EDU: Part of the broader SXSW Conference & Festivals, SXSW EDU is primarily an education conference that offers sessions intersecting with film and media. These sessions include discussions on storytelling, digital media, and the role of film in education.