Image Arts: Film - BFA
Full-time format:
4 Year
Part-time format:
N/A
Requirements:
Grades-Plus
Grade range:
Mid 70s
Faculty:
The Creative School
Experiential learning:
Internship available
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Is this degree for you?
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)’s internationally renowned Image Arts: Film degree program prepares you to master the art of storytelling and engage audiences through the power of the moving image.
Experiential learning opportunities: Internship available
Located in the heart of Toronto, Canada’s filmmaking capital, you’ll learn by doing and gain practical experience in every aspect of film production, from story development and cinematography to sound design and editing using both digital and analog technologies.
You’ll produce your own short fiction and documentary films while being mentored by award-winning filmmakers and scholars. Join the ranks of notable alumni like Andrew Cividino, Jeremy Podeswa and Jasmin Mozaffari and graduate with the skills, experience and industry connections to thrive in the film world. An optional internship will give you additional opportunities to gain valuable experience.
Ranked in The 15 Top Global Film Schools (external link) in 2023 by The Hollywood Reporter.
The following is a preview of first-year courses based on the available current academic undergraduate calendar for this program.
1st & 2nd Semester
LIBERAL STUDIES:
Two courses from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
Career possibilities:
- Cinematographer
- Development executive
- Director
- Festival programmer
- Producer
Employer possibilities:
- Blue Ant Media
- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
- Kobo Inc.
- Netflix
- Toronto International Film Festival
Further education:
- Documentary Media (MFA)
- Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management (MA)
- Scriptwriting and Story Design (MFA)
IMA Film alum thesis project gains global recognition
Film alumna, Dani Sadun’s Frida in the Sky, a dialogue-free short about family, identity and creativity, has been selected by over 20 international festivals and featured on Omeleto. The emotionally rich film, created as her thesis project, was also named a Student Academy Award semi-finalist.
Read more: IMA Film alum thesis project gains global recognition
This is a Grades-Plus program. Admission decisions for Grades-Plus programs are based on academic performance plus non-academic criteria such as interviews, auditions, essays and portfolios. Your ability to follow and adhere to the requirements is part of the assessment of your application.
Academic requirements for full-time, 4-year program
To be considered for admission, Ontario high school students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Completion of 6 Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 70%
- Completion of the following required Grade 12 U course with a minimum grade of 70%:
- English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)
An overall average of 70% is required for consideration. Due to competition, the average needed for admission can fluctuate each year (it depends on the number of applications received and the number of spaces available). The grade range at the top of this page represents the average required in previous years.
Academic admission requirements for all other applicants are available on the admission requirements page. If you haven’t been educated in Ontario, you may be considered with the equivalent of the Ontario requirements. TMU reserves the right to determine equivalency at its sole discretion.
Fall 2026 non-academic requirement due date:
February 1, 2026 or 10 business days from your application submission date, whichever comes later.
The theme for this year is EPIPHANY. The theme is the subject or main idea in an artistic work that can be interpreted literally, broadly, or metaphorically.
Part 1: Short film/video
Submit a short film/video up to 90 seconds in length (maximum), shot in any medium that addresses the theme/concept of "EPIPHANY."
Part 2: Submit 3 examples of visual work
Submit 3 examples of any visual work. These don't need to illustrate the theme (e.g. photographs, drawings, paintings, computer-generated prints, or photos of sculptures or other artwork. Please don't include still frames or screenshots captured from videos, etc.)
Note for part 1 and part 2:
- Your video must be uploaded to “Vimeo.” When you have a Vimeo URL (e.g. https://vimeo.com/43927921 (external link) ) please paste the link, along with your 3 examples of visual work, into a single file (i.e. Microsoft Word document exported or saved as a .pdf) and upload the .pdf file in your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal under "Portfolio Pieces."
- If you choose to use the privacy settings in Vimeo, there is a member subscription fee to do so. Please use the password "FILM2026". You can also choose to not use the privacy settings and not pay the Vimeo subscription fee.
Describe a dramatic event from your own life or the life of someone you know that you would like to turn into a short film. Be specific about the events and the characters in your story, though you may change the names and details if you like (up to 500 words / 2 typed pages). Don't submit a script. Briefly describe why you feel it would make a good film (100 words maximum), and what role you would like to take on (e.g. producer, writer, director, cinematographer, editor, sound designer, production designer). This is a non-binding proposal. The School of Image Arts reserves the right to retain this project outline.
Please save and upload your project outline as a .pdf file.
In the form of a short essay (up to 300 words), please answer the following questions:
- What single film has most influenced you and why?
- How has that film expanded your notion of what cinema can be?
- How has the film impacted society and/or the art form of cinema?
This statement should reflect only the effort of the applicant.
Please save and upload your written statement as a .pdf file.
Submit a current resumé outlining your education, work experience, related skills, interests and any special awards (not to exceed 2 pages).
Please save and upload your resumé as a .pdf file.
The non-academic requirements assessment fee is $50 CAD and must be paid in order for your submission to be reviewed. Here’s how to pay:
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Access your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal account (instructions to access the portal can be found below under Submission Instructions).
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Click on the button to link to the eForms Centre.
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Next, click on the eForms Center tile.
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Then click on the Non-Academic Fee Form link.
You're required to submit all components of their non-academic requirements via the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal. Due to the volume of applications received and our system performance, we strongly encourage you to submit your documents well in advance of the noted deadlines.
If you're unable to use the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal, you're required to contact the School of Image Arts at imagearts@torontomu.ca to discuss an alternate method of submission.
Here’s how to access your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal account:
- Get your TMU Student Number in the email acknowledgement of your application
- Activate your TMU Online Identity. Fill in the Activation Form on the Accounts website. When asked for your Student/Applicant ID, enter your 9-digit TMU Student Number. Keep a record of your user name and password
- 24 hours after activating your TMU Online Identity, visit the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal
If you're applying for readmission or reinstatement, you're not required to submit non-academic requirements. You must inform the program department of your intentions.
Email the School of Image Arts at imagearts@torontomu.ca by February 1, 2026, or 10 business days from your application submission date (whichever comes later).
Tuition and fees range 2025-2026
For detailed fees info, visit tuition and fees by program and costs to expect.
Full-time format:
Ontario: $7,353 - $7,846
Out-of-province: $8,892 - $9,414
International: $36,845 - $37,265
Over $20M across all levels of study
We award more than $20M in awards, scholarships and bursaries throughout all years of study.
Find scholarships for you.
Explore financial assistance
Learn more about government financial aid programs like OSAP, out-of-province student loans and U.S. student loans.
Apply for financial assistance.
“This program gave me the opportunity to meet really talented collaborators, who are the reason why my thesis film even exists.”
- Elliott Frith, Image Arts: Film, Class of 2025, Director and Writer, Out of the Toil
Creativity is the catalyst for building the future — driving insights, inspiring learning and expanding what’s possible. At The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), creativity is at the heart of every experience. With unique programs, global partnerships and practical experience in the heart of Toronto, you’ll evolve your craft. You’ll graduate ready for an impactful, fulfilling career.
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Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, TMU's current Undergraduate Calendar is the official reference.