One Year Intensive Program - Documentary and Non-Fiction (SAKF10)

Popis kurzu

One Year Intensive Program – Documentary and Non-Fiction Directing – at FAMU International, part of the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, is designed to help students develop a strong foundation in visual storytelling through real-life subjects. Tailored for those passionate about studying filmmaking in Prague, the course offers a hands-on, mentor-led structure that emphasizes creative autonomy, critical thinking, and technical skill in non-fiction directing. The program’s main objective is to guide students in transforming original ideas into short, fully developed non-fiction films. Through small-group workshops, participants receive close mentorship in all phases of the filmmaking process, including research, scripting, shooting, editing, and final post-production. Students from FAMU Prague gain practical experience through a series of short exercises and a final documentary film, all produced within the tuition fee. Alongside intensive project work, students attend seminars in film theory and history to deepen their understanding of the genre’s context and evolution. The course fosters the development of a personal documentary style and helps build a strong portfolio suitable for applying to advanced degree programs, including those at FAMU Prague. Ultimately, students leave equipped with the creative and technical tools needed to navigate filmmaking in Prague and beyond, whether academically or professionally.

Výsledky učení

Graduates of the One-Year Intensive Documentary and Non-Fiction Directing Program at FAMU International, emerge as skilled and reflective storytellers equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of non-fiction cinema. Through a curriculum that emphasizes both practical production and theoretical understanding, students develop a comprehensive skill set that includes conceptual development, directing, cinematography, and post-production. Throughout the documentary program, students engage in mentor-led workshops, producing a series of documentary projects that culminate in a final short film. These projects are designed to foster a deep understanding of narrative structure, visual composition, and the ethical considerations inherent in documentary filmmaking. The hands-on experience is complemented by seminars in film history, theory, and criticism, providing a contextual framework that informs their creative decisions. By the end of the program, graduates have assembled a diverse portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to tell compelling stories with authenticity and artistic integrity. All students receive a transcript of completed courses in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), facilitating the transfer of credits to other institutions of higher learning. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Certificate from FAMU International. While completion of the program does not guarantee admission into further studies at FAMU, the portfolio developed during the course provides strong application material for advanced studies in the discipline.

Předpoklady uchazeče

Admission to the One-Year Intensive Program – Documentary and Non-Fiction Directing – at FAMU International, is open to individuals passionate about visual storytelling, documentary movies and committed to studying non-fiction directing in Prague. This selective One-Year Intensive program Directing and Non-fiction at FAMU International offers is designed for those ready to immerse themselves in the creative and technical aspects of non-fiction cinema. Applicants must submit a completed application form, which can be downloaded, digitally signed, or filled out by hand, scanned, and uploaded. Candidates must also provide a CV detailing academic and artistic background, including English language proficiency. Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions are required, except for secondary school records if higher education has been completed. As part of the artistic sample, applicants must submit: a written statement of their project plans for the year, a film sample uploaded to Vimeo or YouTube in downloadable HD with a .doc file containing the link, a written explanation of their role in the submitted work and any supporting materials and a list of ten inspirational films

Additionally, a Statement of Intent outlining what the applicant expects from the program and what they aim to contribute should be submitted as. A one-minute video self-portrait must also be uploaded to Vimeo or YouTube in HD, with the link provided in a .doc file. Lastly, proof of payment of the application fee must be uploaded as

All materials must follow the specific naming conventions and formats. Applicants are expected to demonstrate originality, vision, and a clear motivation to engage with the documentary tradition through the lens of one of Europe’s leading film schools – FAMU Prague.

Podmínky absolování programu

The Final Examination for the One-Year Intensive Documentary and Non-Fiction Directing Program at FAMU International, part of the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, serves as the final evaluation of the student’s progress and achievements over the course of the One-Year Intensive Program in documentary and non-fiction. It is a comprehensive assessment of both creative and theoretical knowledge gained while studying documentary and non-fiction filmmaking in Prague. At the heart of the examination is the student’s final short documentary film, developed under mentor supervision and completed during the program. This film is expected to demonstrate a clear artistic vision, technical competence, and a thoughtful engagement with the principles of non-fiction storytelling. It reflects the student’s ability to work independently and to translate concept into documentary form.

In addition to the final non-fiction film, students present a portfolio that includes earlier exercises, workshop outcomes, and other relevant creative work produced during the year. This collection highlights the evolution of the student’s voice and skill set across various formats and production challenges.

The examination also includes an oral defense, where students articulate the intentions behind their final documentary, discuss their creative and production process and respond to questions regarding the theoretical, historical, and ethical aspects of documentary and non-fiction filmmaking. Students are expected to demonstrate awareness of both international and Czech documentary traditions, as well as the broader cultural context of filmmaking in Prague.

Successfully completing the Final Examination confirms that the graduate is prepared to pursue advanced academic study or enter the professional field of documentary and non-fiction film, equipped with a solid portfolio and critical understanding of the discipline.