The six-month Institute for Documentary Filmmaking is the central educational offering of the Center and is both a theoretical and hands-on exploration of the documentary form.

All participants—both faculty and students—in the Institute are remarkable. The faculty and guest speakers associated with the Institute are at the top of the documentary field. We have guest speakers and instructors who represent the wide array of talent inherent in the creation of non-fiction films: from writers to producers, directors, cinematographers, and editors. Many of our instructors have participated in the conduct of the Institute for well over a decade.

Participants in the Institute come from around the world, and admission is competitive and by application only. Individuals in the Institute come from such diverse backgrounds as broadcasting, law, psychology, literature, science, anthropology, museum studies, and education. Many participants have no background at all that would necessarily lead to careers in filmmaking. Some participants have extensive experience in the filmmaking or media-related fields. What all participants share, however, is a commitment to non-fiction stories and their expression in a visual form. Moreover, each member of the Institute must have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as this course -- as well as all filmmaking -- is a highly interactive, interpersonal experience.

The students in each Institute work as a group to develop and produce a short documentary film. The documentaries that have been made in past years are: "Millgirls," "Soulsville: Black Power in Vietnam," "Harnessing Fear: Polio in American Society," "Wildland to Wonderland: The Hayden Expedition to Yellowstone," "Welcome to Chicago," "Ain't Misbehavin," " Down Freedom's Main Line," "The Road Out of Peekskill," "Grace," "Changing Room," "Capital Beat," "Opening Moves," "Monumental Sacrifice", "Caught in the Net," "A Gathering Storm " and "The Art of Silence" . This coming year, the participants in the program will again select a new subject for their documentary.

CLASS HOURS AND REQUIREMENTS

This year's Institute begins January 15th and runs through June 30th, 2008. From January 15th through April 26th the class will meet from 6:10 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On these evenings there will be lectures and seminar discussions on issues related to all phases of documentary filmmaking. In addition, over the course of these initial four months, periodic workshops will be held outside of regular class hours in lighting, camera, sound, and editing. These workshops are held in small-groups and students choose from a variety of sessions on a first-come, first-served basis.

All of May and June will be devoted to the production of a single short documentary that the class will produce as a production team. During these final two months participants will work many hours outside of the regular class time to complete the group project. Production is an intense, all-consuming process. Therefore, if you intend to work during the term of the Institute you should make arrangements with your employer take substantial leave during these final two months in which production occurs.

We offer 9 graduate credits for this program and all individuals who successfully complete the course will earn a certificate in documentary filmmaking.

COST

The cost of the program is $7750. Successful graduates will receive 9 graduate credits and a certificate verifying successful completion of the program.

Institute participants are not eligible for any type of federal or private student financial aid. Please do not contact the Financial Aid Office to inquire about assistance opportunities unless you are already a GW student or a full-time degree candidate at another academic institution.

Our program however is elegible with independent loan assistance institutions. These loans are geared towards part-time continuing education students and are available for those individuals accepted to our program, provided they meet the credit requirements. Decisions concerning your eligibility are usually made within several days, depending on your financial status. These are consumer loans and the Institute is in no way responsible for, or involved in, the decision to allocate assistance to you.

In addition there is a five-payment plan through Academic Management Services (AMS). Please contact them at http://www.Tuitionpay.com for more information on eligibility as well as about their December deadline requirements.

Another option is the Key Career Loan Service who have more information at http://www.key.com/careerloan or at 1-800-Key.Lend

Feel free to investigate your own options at various banks such an Emax Loan with Suntrust or Citi Bank. Note however, Student Accounts does not accept credit cards.

Please keep in mind, that you will need to deal with these companies directly and be proactive in making sure that you get your financial needs taken care of by the beginning of the semester.

Just Announced! 2008 Participants are eligible to apply for The Elberger Scholarship. This partial scholarship in the amount of $2500 will be awarded to one GW or Non GW student applying for the complete 9 credit program. To apply, please write a statement about why you merit this important scholarship.

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