Student Groups & Programming

Filmmakers of Color United in Spirit (FOCUS)

FOCUS is a student-run organization that strives to support and highlight underrepresented student artists and filmmakers at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. We aim to provide our members networking opportunities, workshops, and resources in an effort to build community and empower a diverse group of filmmakers of the next generation. We have a strong dedication to promoting multicultural awareness and social consciousness and work to create a community where filmmakers of color are encouraged to challenge, create, and make a difference.

Contact: Hallel Mujingila Diakalenga ([email protected])

Carla Kuhn Memorial Speaker Series

The Carla Kuhn Memorial Speaker Series invites the world’s foremost filmmakers and TV personalities to screen their most works and engage in discussions with students. Screenings are typically held on Fridays after 2pm in the Lenfest Center for the Arts, the Lifetime Screening Room in Dodge Hall, or online. Check your email for invitations to screenings and talks in the Carla Kuhn series. The 2022-2023 Carla Kuhn series included such projects as Aftersun, Bardo, Beef, Devotion, Metropolitan, Sharper, Succession, and Where the Crawdads Sing. Guest speakers included Alejandro González Iñárritu, Olivia Newman, Frank Oz, Al Pacino, James Ponsoldt, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Charlotte Wells.

Contact: Derin Celik ([email protected])

Interdisciplinary Arts Council (IAC)

Founded in spring 2003, the Interdisciplinary Arts Council (IAC) is the official representative student council of Columbia School of the Arts. The IAC’s mission is to promote interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, foster a nurturing community, and advocate for the needs of the Columbia School of the Arts student body.