Explore the latest department news
The Television Academy recognizes Columbia College Chicago alumni Chase Infiniti ’22, Christian Sprenger ’07, and Tari Segal ’03 for their work on three acclaimed television series.
As part of Columbia College Chicago’s Renaissance Rising initiative, the college has appointed five deans to lead its eight schools beginning August 16, 2026.
Columbia College Chicago filmmaker Colson Foster wanted his BFA thesis film to tell a deeply personal transgender story — and professional actor Marquise Vilsón said the project’s authenticity made it impossible to turn down.
The film, created by a team of Columbia College Chicago filmmakers, continues its award-winning festival run by taking home a People’s Gold Telly.
While at Columbia College Chicago’s Semester in LA program, Senior Alex Lu’s initiative—and a tube of glue—help him make industry connections.
Schools making “Variety’s” prestigious list are recognized for their adaptability in a rapidly changing industry and ability to navigate recent pressures facing higher education.
Columbia College Chicago, a sponsor of this year’s CineYouth Film Festival, will play a prominent role at the fest, with student and alum film screenings, an alumni panel discussion, and students and faculty working behind the scenes.
Michael N.J. Wright is director of “Citizen Bowen,” a documentary that looks at Charles “Chuck” Bowen and the role of Black political organizers in Chicago’s Democratic political machine.
Columbia launches two new online graduate programs in Screenwriting and Development and Global Beauty Management, designed for working professionals seeking flexible, industry-connected degrees.
“Frankie,” a capstone animated short created by Columbia alums, has been selected for the 2026 New York International Children’s Film Festival.
Veteran script supervisor Mia Wicklund MAM ’12 returned to Columbia College Chicago to help prepare students to confidently step onto set in a key film production role.
Wenhwa Tsao, interim co-director of the School of Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago, brings a story of labor, love, and resilience to the DC Independent Film Festival.
Students from Columbia College Chicago will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.
Filmmaker Daniel Pico ’02 says the incentive gives new momentum to his film, a once-stalled project now headed toward production.
From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, Columbia College Chicago alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show Columbia at its best.
From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on Columbia’s website in 2025.
The Columbia College Chicago alum’s short screened at the festival while the pitch for his feature film won $275,000 in film production resources.
“Traces of Home,” produced by Associate Professor Dan Rybicky, wins the Grand Jury Prize at DOC NYC, while “The Game Camera,” produced by Associate Professor Carolina Posse and created with Columbia talent, receives several festival awards.
In its annual listing of the best film schools, “TheWrap” ranks Columbia College Chicago No. 18.
Columbia College Chicago students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.
The festival will feature works by Shiloh Tumo Washington ’22 as well as associate professor Missy Hernandez and Miguel Silveira ’05 who recently won Best Horror Screenplay at the Nashville Film Festival.
Jas Dunigan, a Film and Television major at Columbia College Chicago, was one of only five students selected for the Television Academy Foundation’s Fall 2025 Internship Program.
The Columbia College Chicago student thesis film, which was nominated for Best Student Film, is set to screen on Sept. 27 at the Logan Theatre in Chicago.
Lucas Stall, a junior at Columbia College Chicago, took home the Heart Award at the Flint Youth Film Festival for a film about his struggles caring for his father with Alzheimer’s disease.
“MovieMaker” highlights Columbia College Chicago's real-world-focused curriculum and the college’s state-of-the-art Media Production Center, which is home to Columbia's Volume Wall for virtual production.
Michelle West, assistant director and adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago’s Semester in LA program, wrote, directed, and produced the very personal film in collaboration with Columbia alums and faculty.
This marks the 14th consecutive year Columbia College Chicago has earned a top in "The Hollywood Reporter's" annual rankings of film schools.
Make plans to watch “American Parent” and “Dawn Dusk”— two films rooted in personal storytelling and backed by Columbia College Chicago talent.
Seven Columbia students and alumni will showcase their short films at this year’s CineYouth Festival, which is presented each year by the Chicago International Film Festival and is free to the public.
Molly Schneider, PhD, receives the prestigious award for her book “Gold Dust on the Air: Television Anthology Drama and Midcentury American Culture.”
Karla Rae Fuller, PhD, a professor at Columbia College Chicago and author of a recent book on inclusive screenwriting, shares her perspective on the women who have had the most profound impact on film.
First-year student Julia Knopfel collaborates with Columbia College Chicago classmates to share the painful story of her uncle’s murder on film and begin her journey as a filmmaker.
Columbia College Chicago and partners will host the Chicago premiere of “Meanwhile,” a powerful documentary about art and resilience directed by Catherine Gund.
"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.
The Chicagoland Transfer Award recognizes transfer students from eligible Chicago area community colleges based on academic merit. The winners received scholarships for the fall 2024 semester.
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents award to Columbia students for “Behind His Eyes” and the Chicago International Film Festival honors a documentary made by Columbia alums with an Audience Choice Award.
Two Columbia student films, “Adagio” and “Behind His Eyes,” will compete in the National Student Production Awards Long Form category.
The Chicago International Film Festival features the work of Columbia College Chicago alumni and students on screen and behind the scenes.
The fellowship, offered by the Television Academy Foundation, provides essential support for educators attending the foundation’s annual Media Educators Conference, which occurs October 9 to 11.
“The New Raymond," a Columbia College Chicago student film, will screen on September 27, vying for top honors at the Glendale International Film Festival.
Dr. Sharon Marie Ross, an associate professor in Film and TV, shares her best bets for this year’s Emmy winners, from the epic revival of “Shogun” to the controversial comedy nominee “The Bear.”
Columbia College Chicago kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.
As a kickoff to Columbia College Chicago’s 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates Columbia alumni and their career accomplishments.
Columbia College Chicago is once again recognized in ‘MovieMaker’s’ annual list of top film schools.
Kubilay Uner leads Columbia’s Music Composition for the Screen program, which has been ranked the best in the world by “The Hollywood Reporter.”
“Frankie”— a capstone project created by Columbia College Chicago students — will be screened as a Kids First! Film Festival-curated film.
Spring 2024: Columbia College Chicago Highlights
This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.
As founding members of the Family Advisory Council, Heidi and Steven Levin have made a generous gift to Columbia College Chicago to deepen the impact of the Levin Family Fund.
Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies
Columbia College Chicago welcomes new technology, a volume, to the Media Production Center’s Stage 3.
The annual Chicago festival to screen films by Columbia students and alums, with Columbia students serving on the festival’s youth programming committee.
International student Carlos Lerma’s film ‘Treasure Haunt’ will be shown at two upcoming festivals for young filmmakers: NFFTY and CineYouth.
“Good Guy with a Gun,” written and directed by John Mossman, former adjunct professor of instruction at Columbia College Chicago, and produced by Kevin Cooper, an associate professor at Columbia, was recently purchased by Freestyle Digital Media and is now available on demand.
"Hole Punched Ear" started as a class project at Columbia College Chicago and is now earning worldwide acclaim.
Kubilay Uner, who leads Columbia's top-ranked music composition for screen program, on his favorite Academy Award-nominated score and his best bet for this year's winner.
Columbia College Chicago students got together in their Communication Department courses to discuss the details of the biggest night in advertising
Columbia College Chicago students take courses during January, or J-Term, that allow them to explore places such as Paris, Rome, and Buenos Aires, expanding their learning about culture, art, and themselves.
“Shi Ri Fan Gu” (“Sojourn to Shangri-La”), a film by Yihan Lin MFA ’21, makes its international debut in February.
“Musher,” a film made by Columbia College Chicago alums, follows four women and their dogs as they prepare for an annual race in the upper peninsula of Michigan.
Unleashed 2023 took place at Columbia College Chicago on November 30, showcasing extraordinary student talent and raising more than $700,000 in scholarships. Departing from the traditional fundraiser format, the Student Center transformed into a multi-floor immersive arts showcase, exploring the theme of "Connecting" across various creative disciplines.
Columbia College Chicago honors the Efroymson Family Fund with the 2023 Philanthropic Icon Award for the family’s contributions to help create opportunities for students to pursue their passion in the arts
Funds raised by Columbia’s annual Unleashed Gala — an immersive experience designed, curated, and driven by students — make a difference for students.
The WTTW documentary was written, directed, and produced by WTTW Producer and Columbia Alum Daniel Andries and edited by Adjunct Faculty Member and Alum Sharon Zurek ’76.
Filmmaker Shiloh Tumo Washington ’22 will have his short screened on Nov. 4 and 11 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
Twenty-six Columbia College Chicago students made the animated short “Scream Writers” as part of the Animation program's capstone project.
Columbia students participate in annual Los Angeles conference featuring leaders from Warner Bros, Roku, Sony, and Mattel.
Columbia College Chicago, in partnership with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor, launched a community-based project series called Black Album Mixtape.
“Departing Seniors” and “All Happy Families,” films made thanks to the talents of Columbia alums, will be shown at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. Dashawna Wright MFA ’18, producer of “Departing Seniors,” will be coming to Columbia with the film’s cast and crew for a preview and discussion.
Film producer and feminist film festival co-founder Susan Kerns is editor of “ReFocus: The Films of Susan Seidelman,” which includes Kerns’ interview with the director.
A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Emmy-nominated talent and new virtual production programming highlighted.
Students and staff show their Columbia pride to a national audience on live television.
The publication recognizes Columbia for its outstanding undergraduate and graduate film and TV degree programs as well as its Semester in LA program.
The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with Columbia alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.
“Animation Career Review” ranks Columbia second in the Midwest and 23rd nationally on their annual list of top visual effects schools and colleges.
The prestigious annual international festival presents important professional opportunities for filmmakers.
Visual Artist Vashon Jordan Jr. recognized for work that exemplifies spirit of Chicago.
Haley Patton, a Film and Television major at Columbia College Chicago, earns spot on the 2023 ALL In Student Voting Honor Roll.
See the selected films at the annual free festival, which will be held in-person April 21 to 23 at Facets in Chicago.
The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.
“One Day to Make a Movie: Indie Filmmaking Without a Budget,” a free 2-part workshop and double screening led by Columbia Assistant Professor Missy Hernandez and Alum Miguel Silveira ‘05, will take place on April 8.
CTVA Alums Dalin Nelson and Rachel Toenies, who both graduated in 2021, will have their film Bliss shown on March 27.
Erik Weaver, the executive producer of the short film “FatHead," will talk to Columbia College Chicago Media Arts students about the film’s innovative use of on-set virtual production.
On March 3, more than 150 Columbia students participated in “Chicago Works: Production Connections,” which featured a panel discussion and resource fair.
“Good Guy With A Gun,” directed by Columbia College Chicago Adjunct Professor John Mossman and produced by Associate Professor Kevin Cooper, had its Midwest premiere on February 27 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
Columbia College Chicago’s Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that’s for and by Black students.
A Columbia community of creatives comes together to bring a project to screen at the prestigious British Film Institute’s 37th annual Flare 2023.
Associate Professor Karla Rae Fuller will read from her latest book “Do the Right Thing: Five Screenplays That Embrace Diversity.”
“Morocco, Morocco” was directed by Associate Professor Jackie Spinner and funded in part by Columbia College Chicago.
Films and shows nominated for prestigious awards are backed by the talents of Columbia alums.