International Program – MFA Degree in Documentary Cinema

MFA Degree in Film and Television – Directing and Production

Field of Study – Documentary Cinema

Degree Awarded

MFA in Film and Television, Directing and Production

Total no. of hours required to complete degree: 48 credit hours

Program Goal

This international MFA program, held for four terms, offers students a comprehensive education in visual documentary and non-fiction production. Students spend the first three sequential terms at Tel Aviv University gaining research skills, learning about script writing, producing, editing, and directing. Immensely hands-on, students will simultaneously gain theoretical grounding and practical knowledge of all aspects of documentary filmmaking. Students will learn from world-renowned filmmakers about using camera equipment, adjusting lighting, sound and setting, and scriptwriting. The practical workshops will provide students with comprehensive skills to produce their own films and television programs. During the fourth semester, students will produce a documentary film or television series at the location of their choice on a topic they are passionate about under the (virtual) guidance of an advisor. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to meet with experienced filmmakers and visual artists and will be encouraged to participate in the Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival.

Target Audience

Students with a BA degree, including graduates from TAU and other institutions in Israel, and graduates from other countries interested in specializing in non-fiction filmmaking. Students with proven academic theoretical and practical background in the field, such as a relevant BA degree (Film and Television, or Communication Studies) may apply.

Admissions

Curriculum

The four-semester program includes a total of 48 credit hours. 14 hours are dedicated to theoretical studies, and 34 credit hours are dedicated to practical studies.

Course list

Semester	Course	Credit Hours
I	Directing Workshop I – Direct Cinema, Cinema Vérité	2
I	Ethnographic Cinema Workshop	2
I	Research for the Documentary Film – Workshop	2
I	Documentary Cinematography 1 – Workshop	2
I	Meeting Israeli Directors – Workshop	2
I	Contemporary Film Theories – Documentary Cinema – Seminar	4
Semester Break I – II	International Master Class – Visiting Artist Workshop	2

II	Directing Workshop II – Testimony and Archives	2
II	Documentary Screenplay Workshop	2
II	Photography II Documentary Cinematography 2 – Workshop	2
II	Editing Workshop I	2
II	Cinematic/Television Narrative – Ethics of the Documentary Image	4
Summer Semester
III	Directing Workshop III – Space and Place	2
III	Editing Workshop II	2
III	Sound Design	2
III	Development and Production – Preparing the Final Project	2
III	Identity and Memory Technologies in Israeli Documentary Cinema	4

IV	Final Project Seminar	2
IV	Final Project 1	2
IV	Final Project 2	2
IV	Final Project Tutoring	2

Final Project

The student will be required to submit a short original documentary, to be accompanied by a 10-page academic theoretical research paper, addressing one of the aspects of the film.

Final Grade

25% - Course Grades
35% - Two Seminar Papers
5% - Theoretical Paper
35% - Final Project

Completion of Studies

Students who have completed all degree requirements must fill in the “Completion of Studies” form in the Personal Information tab on the TAU site.