Film

Students can major or minor in film at Augustana College. Students will gain hands-on camera experience from the start in this film production program designed to incubate unique opportunities for students to create motion pictures, even before they declare the film major or minor.

In a new combined Department of Theatre and Film at Augustana, student filmmakers can expand and deepen their focus in their field, diversifying their skills, experiences and portfolios in ways a film-only program cannot provide. They can grow their perspective and creative thinking through innovative collaborations, and opportunities such as acting, directing and production design for both stage and screen.

Distinctions

• Location: The Quad Cities is an ideal location for internships, and Illinois is the country’s sixth-largest film and media production location. The diverse social, cultural, architectural and natural settings of this metro area along the Mississippi River offer rich material for storytellers.
• Facilities: The film production studio in Sorensen Hall includes an LED lighting grid, a dynamic set of backgrounds, ultra high definition (UHD) professional camcorders, and production equipment students can check out. Film students also will have a new iMac lab/classroom.
• Augie Choice $2,000: Augustana invests in each student’s dream internship, cinematic project and/or study abroad. Filmmakers choose the experience that matters the most to their futures, including:
  • Travel abroad or to an industry hub such as Chicago, Hollywood, Atlanta or New York for a career-building internship.
  • Living expenses during a valuable local internship — including Fresh Films, the Emmy-nominated film studio based in the Quad Cities.
  • Supplies needed for a student’s Senior Inquiry production, such as special effects, costuming or set designs, hiring fees or other production resources.
• The academic community: Students thrive in this liberal arts setting, encouraging the deeper questions that compel independent filmmakers. Augustana mentors give young creative minds the focus they need to grow and lead in the thrilling world of filmmaking.

Recent graduates

Matthew Chezum '25, a film/chemistry double major won the top prize at the 2025 Shortcuts Short Film Contest, a statewide competition curated for Illinois students/residents ages 22 and under. The contest was juried and hosted by the Illinois Film Office, in partnership with 815HORTS: A 5HORT Film Festival. Chezum's short film "Moshe's Song," created as his capstone project in the Augustana Senior Film Inquiry course, was one of five finalists chosen.

Director of Film