Dear friends,
The Department of Film, Television, and Media at the University of Michigan is proud to be a place where creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking come together to prepare the next generation of storytellers, media makers, and industry leaders.
We are especially excited to share that FTVM was recently named one of the Top Film Programs of 2026 by MovieMaker. This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our students, faculty, alumni, and community partners, as well as the department’s commitment to hands-on learning, artistic innovation, and professional development.
Today, FTVM serves a vibrant and growing community of students, including 225 majors and 30 minors, who are developing the creative and practical skills needed to succeed in film, television, digital media, and beyond. Our curriculum offers students opportunities to write, direct, produce, collaborate, and explore the media industries from both creative and scholarly perspectives. A few of our dynamic courses include “Sketch Comedy,” “Making Music Videos,” “The Silent Screen,” and “The Business of Hollywood.”
Beyond the classroom, FTVM students benefit from department-sponsored organizations and programs that foster creativity, leadership, and community. WOLV TV produces broadcast television-format programming in FTVM’s multi-camera studio. The Film and Video Student Association (FVSA) provides University of Michigan community members opportunities to enhance and expand their knowledge and experience of film, video, and television through events, workshops, movie nights, discussions, and other educational and social activities. And each semester, FVSA hosts the Lightworks Student Film Festival, showcasing the creativity and talent of student filmmakers.
As our students continue to imagine, create, and lead, philanthropic support plays a vital role in strengthening their experience. Gifts to the FTVM Strategic Fund help provide resources for student productions, visiting artists and industry professionals, equipment, workshops, outreach initiatives, student organizations, and opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers in media and storytelling.
We invite you to support the Department of Film, Television, and Media and help sustain the momentum of one of the nation’s top film programs. Your generosity directly impacts our students, empowering them to take creative risks, collaborate across disciplines, and bring powerful stories to life.
Sincerely,
Colin Gunckel
Chair, Department of Film, Television, and Media
