A Global Filmmaking Adventure for your Students!
NATFA is delighted to share an extraordinary opportunity for your students who dream of making their mark in film and storytelling. The Pathfinder Joint International BA in Film is a unique and innovative program that combines in-person and hybrid learning with a truly global filmmaking experience.
This program is delivered by the FilmEU European University, a collaboration of five prestigious film schools across Europe, ensuring that students receive world-class education and exposure to diverse creative approaches. From day one, students engage in a mix of both interactive online classes and hands-on, in-person classes, benefiting from the expertise of instructors across all partner institutions.
A Truly Collaborative and Hybrid Learning Experience
The Pathfinder program is delivered through the FilmEU European University, which includes:
- IADT, Ireland
- Lusófona University, Portugal
- VŠMU, Slovakia
- LUCA School of Arts, Belgium
- NATFA, Bulgaria
The program is designed to combine the best of in-person learning with the flexibility of hybrid teaching:
- Hybrid modules are taught by experts from across all partners, giving students access to the diverse specializations of all partner institutions, no matter where they are based.
- In-person modules and practical projects immerse students in hands-on learning, enabling them to develop their creative and technical skills.
- Collaborative projects bring students together across borders to work on assignments, reflecting the global nature of the film industry.
This mix of learning formats ensures students are supported academically and creatively while preparing them to thrive in both physical and virtual collaborative environment.
The First Year: Foundations and the Blended Intensive Program
In their first year, students begin their studies at their home institution, where they focus on core filmmaking and storytelling skills. The highlight of the first year is the Blended Intensive Program (BIP):
- A unique module that combines online preparation with an in-person film shoot in Lithuania, bringing students from all partner institutions together for a collaborative filmmaking project.
- During the BIP, students engage in hands-on learning while developing their ability to work in international teams—a key skill in the global film industry.
This first year lays a strong foundation while introducing students to the program’s dynamic mix of hybrid and in-person collaboration.
The Second Year: Campus Swapping and Immersive Projects
In the second year, students take their learning to the next level by swapping campuses to study at a partner institution in another country. This experience allows them to:
- Live and learn in a new cultural and academic environment, gaining fresh perspectives and insights.
- Participate in immersive production modules, where they develop their filmmaking expertise through hands-on, intensive work.
- Collaborate on larger projects, working alongside international peers to produce high-quality films.
This mobility experience is a defining feature of the Pathfinder program, ensuring that students gain the adaptability and global mindset needed for a successful career in film.
The Third Year: Graduation Films and Artistic Research
In the third year, students bring together everything they’ve learned in the program as they focus on their graduation films and artistic research projects:
- The graduation film serves as a capstone project, allowing students to showcase their creative and technical skills while producing a professional-quality piece that reflects their unique voice as a filmmaker.
- Alongside this, the artistic research project empowers students to explore a specific area of interest related to their film, deepening their understanding and supporting the creative process with a strong conceptual foundation.
This combination of practical filmmaking and critical research ensures students graduate not only with a standout portfolio but also with the ability to contextualise and articulate their creative vision—key skills for success in the global film industry.
Why choose Pathfinder?
The Pathfinder program offers:
- World-class teaching, delivered through a mix of hybrid and in-person learning by Europe’s top film schools.
- An international journey, with opportunities to study in multiple countries and collaborate with peers across borders.
- Real-world experience, through immersive production modules, the BIP, and collaborative projects.
- A global network, connecting students with faculty, industry professionals, and classmates from around the world.
Students apply to Pathfinder with a course-specific portfolio showcasing their creative potential. Applications are open now, with a deadline of February 1, 2025. Portfolio submission deadline – March 18, 2025. The teaching in the specialty is conducted in English.
- For EU students: Apply through the CAO system.
- For international students: Apply directly through IADT, one of the program’s lead partner institutions.
This program is more than just a degree—it’s a filmmaking adventure that prepares students for the future of the global film industry. This is an incredible opportunity for all students seeking international careers in the field of cinematic arts.
Stay tuned for the presentation of this exciting program, which will be shared directly with all interested students. A live video conference will be organized to explain the curriculum and discuss opportunities for mobility and hybrid learning. Students will also have the chance to ask questions about the film studies program.
Learn more about Pathfinder on Filmeu.eu/pathfinder