Dear Program Faculty and Staff,

As students and artists, we are constantly being led to believe that there needs to be an
equilibrium between what we are learning (theory) and what we are creating (praxis). The goal
of the undergraduate film program at Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing
Arts Department of Transmedia (according to VPA’s website) is to create a “critical thinker and
skillful filmmaker… [the] degree program encourages independence, debate, and originality. Our
approach to film is an aesthetic one rather than a commercial enterprise.” Syracuse University
has portrayed the VPA Film program as a place where the “total filmmaker” can flourish. The
program prides itself on supporting individuals who are not afraid to speak up… both for
themselves and their communities.

The lack of community and resources in this program is astonishing.

The most disheartening part of being a filmmaker (an independent filmmaker) is knowing
the words, story, and heart of your film but not having the resources to bring it to life. While
VPA Film provides students with access to equipment, and students are exposed to cinema and
cinema theory in the classroom, the program fails to provide undergraduate students with support
pertaining to the following:

1. A mandatory critique and showcase event hosted by the department each semester in
which students can display and appreciate their strongest works and the works of their
peers.
2. A creative space for undergraduates within the department to congregate and collaborate.
3. 24-hour swipe access for students to Shaffer Art Building.
4. Times at which faculty is accessible for critique, workshops, industry, and technical
advice other than through office hours listed on course syllabi or via email.
5. Consistent meetings within the film department either for the entire program or for
individual grade levels.
6. A curriculum that makes the classroom more interactive for students.
7. A decrease in lecture time and an increase in in-classroom student collaboration.
8. Film-based career services that cater to our industry and artistic needs.
9. A comprehensive list of financial support opportunities for artists and filmmakers (grants,
scholarships, student funds, university funding, etc.) in one compiled place that is
accessible to all students.
10. A comprehensive list of film festivals in one compiled place that is accessible to all
students.
 Syracuse University’s VPA film program has the resources. These promises have been
made to us in the past, though it seems they have lost their momentum. We demand a meeting
with faculty and administration as soon as possible to discuss these concerns.

Alexis Brown - Madeline Carter - Andrew Cha - Bryan Crowe, Jr - Olivia Dalfino -
Anuar De Santis - Asha Duerden - Hope Henkenmeier - Abigail Hoeffner - Britt Hollaway -
Alysa Jette - Ania Johnston - Misuni Khamankar - Lucas Morse - Gretchen Pfluger - Asa Rogers
- Kylie Smith - Matilda Washington