Howard University’s MFA Film Program Ranked TOP 25 AMERICAN FILM SCHOOLS 2021and 2022
Film and Television education at Howard University started at the undergraduate level in 1971. By 1983, Howard University’s Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the first and what remains the only graduate film degree offered at an HBCU, with the creation of the MFA Film Program.
For nearly forty years, Howard University’s MFA Film Program has played a major role in the independent film industry and diverse storytelling within the spirit of the L.A. Rebellion and the New York Black Independent Film Movements. Recognized for award-winning film faculty and a history of forging new film aesthetics, Howard University’s MFA Film Program joins the list of the nation’s leading film schools as ranked by The Hollywood Reporter.
To learn more about Howard University’s MFA Film Program, contact Dr. Montré Aza Missouri, Director of the Graduate Film Program.
APPLY TO MFA FILM FOR FALL 2023
“Howard’s history and influence as an academic institution is known the world over. The film school, considering the talents it has produced, also has a legendary reputation.
…I have also felt a strong connection to the entire film program and the vision for its future.”
- Dr. Shah Shafiani, Filmmaker & Assistant Professor in Film
Film Directing Faculty
Dr. Shah Shafiani
Filmmaker + Scholar
By Anne Laprevote, MFA Film Student
Film Faculty In Focus | Dr. Shah Shafiani
At Howard, academic excellence and diversity have been key factors in building, maintaining, and growing a film program with a rich history and an ongoing influence. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the past two years have been challenging for our program, but we have been able, as students, to thrive thanks to the devotion of our film faculty. Joining us in this new academic year, Shahriar Shafiani, known as ‘Shah’, joined forces with film faculty members to ensure a safe and suitable environment for learning as the University reopened for in-person classes.
Shah is well known for being a devoted instructor. When it comes to interacting with students, he definitely lives up to his reputation. Starting to teach as an entry-level ESL instructor in Iran around the age of 18, Shah pursued to excel professionally as an educator. Joining Howard Faculty, he now teaches Directing and Editing both in undergraduate and graduate levels. It is well known that passion drives success and it is definitely accurate for Shah. While finishing an engineering degree, he started making short films in Iran and continued to work professionally in both filmmaking and education ever since.
“I started by making a trilogy of shorts in Iran, beginning in 2010. The last of the bunch, ‘Life Around Here,’ ended up in a few festivals around the world including the US, which helped me continue in my path. Around the same time, I came to the US to pursue a graduate degree in film, which eventually ended with me opting to do an Artist/Scholar PhD at Ohio University as well. While there, I made six more shorts and one collaborative narrative feature called ‘Departure.’ I have been lucky to have had opportunities to screen them in various film festivals around the world and win a few awards. I am currently working on two new projects, one narrative fiction, and one documentary.”
If you ask Shah what makes him who he is today, he will say:”growing up with three wonderful sisters [one also happens to be his twin] and of course, Iranian food.” More than that, thanks to his unique background and gift for educating that Shah has become a true pillar of support and inspiration for many film students at Howard University. Inspired by Abbas Kiarostami, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Agnès Varda, Asghar Farhadi, Barry Jenkins, Coen brothers, Steve McQueen, and of course, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Shah has quickly become an inspiration and source of knowledge himself for his own students. As an international student myself, I was able to find support and understanding in Shah’s own personal experience as well as an extensive source of encouragement towards my own growth as an artist. Early on Shah has revealed to be extremely invested in uplifting every student’s potential and fostering creative individuality. Being able to study, experiment and grow as a person as well as professional filmmakers in such a safe environment has definitely made our experience all the more enjoyable.
As Shah said himself, ”Howard’s history and influence as an academic institution is known the world over. The film school, considering the talents it has produced, also has a legendary reputation. Ever since my first interview with my to-be-colleagues, I have also felt a strong connection to the entire film program and the vision for its future.” I too, look forward to our future at Howard.
FLASHBACK\\//FLASHFORWARD
Howard University Film Students on the set of A Journal for Jordan with Oscar Award winning actor and film director Denzel Washington, at the Lincoln Memorial.
By Brandon Wilkerson, MFA Film Graduate
Every now and again in life, an opportunity is placed in front of us and it is clear crystal clear that moment is designed strictly for us. Often, people do not take full advantage of such chances when presented, either because they are too scared or they do not recognize these moment fast enough. However, when film professor Jami Ramberan forwarded an invitation for Howard University MFA Film student to join Oscar Award winning actor and film director Denzel Washington on the set of A Journal for Jordan, while shooting at Lincoln Memorial, I knew this was one of those opportunities that I could not miss.
It should have been a warm day last April 1st as I geared up to meet one of my idols. Unfortunately, Spring did not see to arrive on time, but I did not allow the cold weather to lessen my enthusiasm. For most of the morning, we stood in a corner adjacent to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. We could see Mr. Washington come in and out of the tent where we seemed to be watching the filming from a monitor. Our contact, Unit Publicist, Cid Swank was very open in answering our questions as Graduate Film Students along with introducing us to much of the production team including Executive Producer, Molly Allen and 1st Assistant Director, Donald L. Sparks. We also had the opportunity to meet two of the film’s stars, Chante Adams and Jalon Christian.
As morning turned to afternoon, the cold April day temperature only dropped. Thankfully, I was well protected from the usually high winds by my thick Howard University hoodie which I also meant that I was doing my part in representing “H.U.” on set. While we continued to interact with production crew, there came a moment when a group of us huddled up together to stay warm and then I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I assumed it was another Howard Film Student until I heard the person greeting me on the should say, “Hey!” Although the voice was warm, like someone reaching out who I had known for a lifetime, I also realized that this was not one of my classmates. Instead it was Denzel Washington with his hand around my shoulder. Once I saw Mr. Washington standing beside me, I was thankful yet again, for the opportunities afforded me as a Howard University MFA Film Student.
During our time with Mr. Washington, he spoke candidly about his years in film industry along with sharing enormous gratitude to his wife Pauletta Washington for the sacrifices that she has made for him and for their family which enabled him to pursue his career. Mr. Washington also introduced us to filmmaker Spike Lee’s brother, Cinque Lee who was gracious enough to share his knowledge of the film industry as well as to take a photo of Howard Film Students with Denzel Washington (below), in order to remember the day. Despite the incredible experience, the only downside to our day was necessity, based on Covid-19 protocol, to remain masked up which did not allow for us to see Denzel Washington’s face. Yet, his voice, presence and generosity were simply unmistakeable.
Howard University Film Students in April 2021 on the set of A Journal for Jordan with Director Denzel Washington (center). Photo by Cinque Lee.
Learning Filmmaking Under Covid-19
By Junée Lanya Ailes, MFA Film Graduate
“Virtual learning has been an adjustment, to say the least, for us all.”
Earning an MFA Film degree in a hybrid space with virtual classes and in-person productions is by no means ideal. Over the past year, I've seen my student colleagues and professors rally together to make the most of the circumstances we've found ourselves.
Virtual learning has been an adjustment, to say the least, for us all. So we're clear: it's not about, nor will it ever be about, being in "the classroom". Being able to sit, in any room, and share ideas, critiques, thoughts, and most importantly, energy, is what it's all about. The energy of Howard’s MFA Film Program is what inspires us creatively!
All has not been lost. Collectively, we have managed to produce some pretty kickass films. Ensuring that all of our productions were in compliance with COVID regulations was the first hurdle. We participated in COVID-19 compliance film production workshops provided by the MFA Film Program. Everyone involved in productions has been required to get tested for COVID before handing equipment and working on set, including our actors.
For some students, it has meant quarantining prior to the shoot. And if, for whatever reason, you are unable to get all of your COVID compliance ducks in a row, you will have to take a rain check. MFA Film Faculty has made COVID safety of the utmost importance and will shutdown any student production that is deemed to be unsafe.
By doubling up on our responsibilities, we have been able to keep our crews small. We’ve eighty-sixed old scripts, and created new, "COVID friendly" stories; which has meant fewer characters and fewer locations. We’ve had to get creative and get real. Living through this pandemic hasn't been easy for anyone. For some, it's been the toughest time they've ever seen. In the midst of everything, our program has produced more than twenty films, and everyone has remained safe and healthy. I'm proud to say that we, Howard Graduate Film Program, chose to dig deep and press on.
MFA Film Student set with Joshua Lowery, LaKeisha Cox and Elon Durant.
Production set with MFA Film Students Diamond Sydnor and Allen Mays.
Motion in Pictures: Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Alumna and new MFA Film Student Talia Kolyass discusses why she chose Howard University
Interview by Robert Anderson, MFA Film Student
RA: There were other programs you were accepted into, but you chose to attend Howard’s MFA Film Program. What were the other programs you were admitted to, and why did you select Howard?
TK: I was strongly considering NYU Tisch School of the Arts. I ultimately chose Howard because it felt like the best place to truly develop my artistry, which was my main goal in attending graduate school. The community Howard provides for its students is unlike anything offered at any other program.
RA: Some of us have come to learn about your extensive background as a dancer, tell us more about your participation in The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.
TK: I attended Fordham University/The Ailey School for my Bachelor in Fine Arts. It was a joint program where we did all of our academic classes at Fordham and all of our dance classes at Alvin Ailey. We worked with outstanding faculty, a lot of whom had trained with Alvin Ailey himself; training in Ballet, Modern, African and Jazz dance styles. As well as working with world renowned choreographers and getting the opportunity to learn and perform some of Alvin Ailey’s original works.
Talia Koylass, Dancer, Choreographer and MFA Film Student
“My father was born and raised in Trinidad and my mother in Memphis, Tennessee. Growing up we’d visit both of their families almost every year. They come from such different backgrounds and upbringings, and have such different world views. These different, often opposing views have really allowed me to question what I truly believe and how I move through the world.”
- Talia Koylass
Motion/Pictures Dance Project founded by MFA Film Student Talia Koylass.
RA: You were chosen by your peers as a student representative on the MFA Film Faculty/Student Monitoring Group. What have you learned about ‘How Howard Works’ in this student leadership role?
TK: I appreciate that the film faculty are constantly seeking feedback from students. It [Howard] really is a community that we all pour into and receive from. The ability to have honest communication allows for that give and take to exist.
RA: What are you working on currently?
TK: I’m geared up for this semester. I’m focused on creating compelling stories that can be told while still being COVID safe. I also have two films that I co-directed last year showing that screened at In/Motion, Chicago’s International Dance Film Festival, which I’m really excited about. You can find more info on my website, www.mp-dp.com.
Experimental
Film Faculty
Artist Filmmaker Vasilios Papaioannu
By Ayo Awoyemi, MFA Film Graduate
Film Faculty In Focus | Vasilios Papaioannu
While this past year has been far from normal, Howard University was gifted with a new film professor, Vasilios Papaioannu, endearingly known as ‘Vas’. Vas is well known for being a thoughtful and passionate instructor who is full of energy and great creative advice. He works tirelessly to help students achieve their highest potential. As a creative student, I find it invaluable to have hands-on instructors who are so invested in my growth. Vas has effortlessly stepped into this role and quickly become a pillar of support for many students. He has a talent for helping students tap into their own individual creative voices and encourages us to have confidence in our ideas and unique perspectives. Vas continuously goes out of his way to support his students and makes himself readily available whenever a student is in need of a little more assistance.
It’s easy to see how passionate Vas is about teaching and forming authentic relationships with his students. During such difficult and unprecedented times, it is a breath of fresh air to have film instructors who are uplifting and accommodating of the unusual conditions we are all facing. Vas exemplifies the true meaning of a teacher; someone who nourishes and nurtures his students. He is willing to go the extra mile to help all students embrace their potential. As Vas continues his time at Howard University, I look forward to watching him guide even more graduate film students on their journey to discovering their own creative voices.
Vasilios Papaionnu is a Greek-Italian artist, experimental filmmaker and an Assistant Professor in Film at Howard University. Prior to joining Howard, Vas taught BFA and MFA Film students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University. His Super 8mm and 16mm experimental films have screened at film festivals and art museums internationally.
Howard MFA Film Alumnus Kenneth Alexander Campbell and his work as an Impact Producer for Sam Pollard’s documentary MLK/FBI
By Richard Schertzer, MFA Film Alumnus
Award-winning documentaryMLK/FBI directed by Sam Pollard.
Kenneth Alexander Campbell is an alumnus of the Howard Graduate Film Program, obtaining his MFA as the Graduate Exemplar in May 2020. Campbell has returned to teach the African Cinema course this Spring semester. As he matriculated through the MFA Program — which included attending FESPACO in Burkina Faso (Africa’s premiere international film festival,) and conducting research at the June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive in the United Kingdom — he cultivated a specialization in the study of African Cinema. Specifically regarding the legacy of Howard Graduate Film Program engaging with the government of Burkina Faso and the program's footprint around the globe.
In 2017 he directed the short documentary Millennials of the Moral Movement: Prelude. His thesis documentary film BLAHC: The Brookland Literary and Hunting Club, won the 2019 Paul Robeson Award and was televised in April 2023 on WETA PBS-TV as part of FILMFEST DC series. The film has garnered accolades at numerous international film festivals.
Most Recently, he has worked as the Impact Producer on Sam Pollard’s feature documentary MLK/FBI (2020), distributed by IFC Films. The critically acclaimed film is based on newly declassified FBI files and narrated by noted scholars, former FBI agents including James Comey, and King's closest confidants as they uncover the government’s surveillance and harassment of the man behind the Civil Rights Legacy. Campbell was also a director of the official music video for the film’s soundtrack, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” (right)
Before attending Howard, Kenneth received his BA in Media Studies from North Carolina Central University and also took courses in documentary arts at the Duke University Center for Documentary Studies. It was his work at Duke in experimental and documentary arts that led him to the Howard Graduate Film Program where he continues to expand his concept and practice of documentary filmmaking.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" (from the film MLK/FBI) by Preservation Hall Jazz Band. This official video was co-directed by Howard MFA Film Alum Kenneth Alexander Campbell.
CLOSER REVIEW: Masterclass with Academy Award winning Moonlight and Underground Railroad Director Barry Jenkins
By Brandon Wilkerson, MFA Film Student
Barry Jenkins in postproduction for Underground Railroad, speaking with Howard University’s MFA Film Students via Zoom.
I was very excited to hear that the Media, Journalism and Film Department would be presenting a Masterclass with Academy Award Winner screenwriter Barry Jenkins. I wish I could refer to him as an Oscar Award winning Director, but the Academy hasn’t been that gracious to us yet. However, I was excited and felt grateful I’d chosen to come to Howard. Moments like this are what I had hoped for; the opportunity to speak with someone within the industry I want to work in.
The day prior, our instructor sent an email asking us to submit questions that we wished to ask Mr. Jenkins, which I greatly appreciated. I wanted to understand his decision to move to L.A. I knew shortly after receiving his Bachelor’s, he began work as a Production Assistant. I wanted to know if he found employment previous to relocating; how he maintained employment, and if he ever considered pursuing his Master’s? Also, what advice would he have for students who may not have the ability to relocate to LA.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to ask my questions. Most of the questions directed to Mr. Jenkins related to his artistic vision. I was hoping that the opportunity would reveal the grittier truths of making it in the business, without nepotism, networks, or living in proximity to Hollywood.
I have a year and a half left in the graduate film program. I’m older than most of the peers in my class, but I’m ready to stop solely admiring my role models. I would like to understand the path to success by those who have already made the journey. I want to know the struggles intwined with the frills of triumph. I’m ready to learn and work right now! With the industry shut down, we must autonomously practice and research our craft as much as possible. God-willing when this pandemic ends, we’ll be right here, front and center, ready to follow a path towards our passions.
Paul Robeson Filmmaker Honoree
Film and TV Director Gina Prince-Bythewood is recognized as recent Paul Robeson Filmmaker Honoree presented by the Department of Media, Journalism and Film. The Woman King director offered a Filmmaker Masterclass to students within Howard University’s MFA Film Program.