Film and Television Directing
Language of instruction: Polish
Film and Television Directing degree programme aims at preparing graduates to work as directors of feature films and documentaries, television shows and performances, as well as short television and film forms, including commercials.
1st cycle studies
The programme of three-year studies includes basic subjects in the field of knowledge about culture, philosophy, sociology, as well as history and theory of various fields of artistic creativity (film, theatre, music, literature, fine arts) as well as programme-specific subjects aimed at equipping students with professional skills (including on feature and documentary directing, television forms, editing, working with actors, film and television techniques, advertising, sound production, economics of film and television production). During their studies, students participate in practical workshop exercises that ultimately lead to making independent television and film etudes. The programme ends with the preparation and defence of a Bachelor’s thesis, which consists of a theoretical (written) and practical (directing) thesis.
2nd cycle studies
The programme of full-time 2nd-cycle studies consists of theoretical classes and workshops deepening and improving previously acquired skills in the field of film directing, dramaturgy, set design, screenwriting, working with actors, editing in film and television, sound production, computer animation, as well as humanities subjects including, among others, issues of the history of literature, drama and theatre. The main goal of the 2nd-cycle studies is to prepare the students for the production of a diploma film and equipping them with skills necessary to write a theoretical Master’s thesis. As part of the 2nd-cycle studies programme, the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School provides substantive and programmatic contact with institutions and organisations realising professional short, medium and full-length film debuts. A graduate of full-time 2nd-cycle studies receives in-depth knowledge of the humanities and professional skills in the field of directing and screenwriting. They have the experience necessary to work with actors and extras. They have the knowledge of the technical and technological aspects of film and TV making, with particular emphasis on the art of cinematography, editing, film music, sound and film set design. The knowledge, skills and social competences gained during the studies allow them to work independently as a director in theatre, film, television, the entertainment industry, as well as an adaptor and screenwriter. They can also perform the duties of a producer of films and artistic shows, as well as managerial functions in cinematography and television units.
Sign up for studies
(Recruitment starts on June 1)
Why is it worth studying with us?
Why is it worth studying with us?
With its artistic, educational and research activities, the K. Kieślowski Film School sets standards for the education of filmmakers and producers in Poland. The element that makes the Film School competitive is, first of all, the academic teachers associated with the film environment, outstanding cultural creators and practitioners of audiovisual industries. The K. Kieślowski Film School at the University of Silesia is one of only two public institutions of higher education in Poland, which offers studies in Directing, Film, Television Picture Production and Photography, Film and Television Production, Creative Management in New Media. Studying at the K. Kieślowski Film School opens the door for young art students to enter the world of film and creative industries. The K. Kieślowski Film School is a faculty friendly to students from all over the world, as shown by the record number of incoming students from the Erasmus+ programme. Another asset is the architecturally unique building (awarded many times in the world for its unique architecture) with its infrastructure reflecting European technical standards in the training of directors and cinematographers.
Programme catalogue – study programme
Programme catalogue – study programme
You can find detailed information about the subjects, stages and specifics in study programme.
Admissions criteria
Admissions criteria
For candidates with the new and the old MATURA:
Stage 1
- Submitting a portfolio of own work:
1. The student shall have a choice:
- A treatment of a feature film no longer than 3 pages + one dialogue scene (for this project) also no longer than 3 pages. It is to be an original project (not an adaptation); the action is to take place today.
or
- A screenplay for a feature film (max. 30 min. and 25 pages)
2. A treatment for a documentary whose subject shall be indicated in the admission criteria for a given academic year.
3. A film (max. 1 min) presenting the candidate with reasons why they intend to study directing at the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School in Katowice. Self-presentation will be evaluated in every aspect (idea, form and content).
4. A series of 10 photographs that will describe how the candidate sees the world around them.
5. A series of 5 to 10 photos under a specific title, which will be indicated in the admission criteria for a given academic year.
6. Other own works (film – max. 10 min., literature, art).
Note. The Committee shall not return copies of personal written work. The attached film works should be submitted as a LINK to the film page (the films can be posted on one of the free portals, e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
- Oral exam: Defence of own works (portfolio) and interview related to the context and awareness of film art.
Stage 2
- Practical exam: montage sequence of photographs.
- Practical exam: visual – staging task.
- Written exam: analytical – script-writing task.
Stage 3
- Documentary task – photojournalism in the outdoors.
- Staging task in a film studio.
- Interview. Defence of documentary and staging tasks.
The individual tasks at each stage shall be evaluated with points.
In Stage 1
Defence of own works (portfolio) and interview: max. 75 pts.
Those who score a minimum of 38 points will proceed to stage two.
In Stage 2
Practical task – montage sequence: max. 25 pts.
Written exam: analytical – script-writing task: max. 25 pts.
Practical exam: visual – staging task: max. 25 pts.
The 18 people with the highest number of points shall proceed to stage three, with the points from stages one and two added together.
If more than 18 candidates obtain the same number of points, all candidates with the same score will proceed to stage three.
In Stage 3
Documentary task – photojournalism: max. 25 pts.
Staging task: max. 25 pts.
Interview. Defence of documentary and staging tasks: max. 50 pts.
The 8 students with the highest scores and a positive maturity exam will be admitted to the study programme.
Graduates of higher education studies with a Bachelor’s degree in film and television directing (in the field of Film Directing) can apply for admission to the study programme.
An interview and a test of artistic aptitude based on submitted own audiovisual work – a feature film or documentary made during undergraduate studies.
Fees
Fees
The admission fee for full-time 1st and 2nd cycle studies in Film and Television Directing is PLN 150.
What sets us apart?
What sets us apart?
Film and Television Directing is a prestigious major at the K. Kieślowski Film School. The profession of directing is among professions that require the entire spectrum of skills related to the art of film and theatre, as well as the construction of stage and plot drama. The competitiveness of the directing major is built thanks to filmmakers passing on their knowledge and secrets of their craft to students, the educational offer, rich in necessary content, as well as the great freedom and autonomy of creative activities in classes, during which student film works are created. Studying at this degree programme is often one of the first stops on the journey of becoming filmmakers and producers; nevertheless, many times experienced artists also apply for this programme. An important element constituting the uniqueness of the curriculum are non-schematic classes that are also important for the formation of the future director, such as the stunt workshop.
Where are the classes held?
Where are the classes held?
Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School at the University of Silesia
ul. św. Pawła 3, 40-008 Katowice, Poland
What do our graduates do?
What do our graduates do?
Graduates of the directing faculty are directors whose film works are presented at world festivals and competitions, global streaming platforms (Netflix, HBO, VOD and others) and have been included in the broad lists of Oscars, the most important award in the film industry. These include such filmmakers as Jan P. Matuszyński (So That There Were No Traces, The Last Family, Wataha series, Illegals), Piotr Domalewski (Hyacinth, Silent Night), Grzegorz Paprzycki (My Country so Beautiful, Blackgod), Aleksandra Terpińska (Other People, Most Beautiful Fireworks Ever), Paweł Maślona (director), Kordian Kądziela (director), Radosław Dunaszewski (director), Adam Sandura (second director), Hubert Koprowicz (second director), Bruno Borchólski (second director), Marek Cydorowicz (second director).
Contact us
Contact us
Additional information is provided by the Secretary of the Faculty Admission Committee – Aleksandra Spiołek, MA: aleksandra.spiolek@us.edu.pl