CINEMATOGRAPHY (MA)

About the Study Program

The Master’s Degree in Cinematography, which lasts two years, was established with the introduction of the Bologna Process into higher education in the Republic of Croatia. A new curriculum was created, incorporating various content suitable for the reformed organizational structure of higher education. Within this study program, entirely new educational fields, called specializations, were introduced. The Master’s program in Cinematography thus consists of three separate specializations: Film and Video Cinematography, Photography, and Lighting Design.

The program is open to applicants who have completed undergraduate studies at the Academy of Dramatic Art, related undergraduate studies at other institutions such as the Academy of Fine Arts, the Academy of Arts, the Faculty of Architecture, the Design Department at the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Graphic Arts, Political Science (Journalism studies), and similar fields. For these applicants, there is the possibility of creating a separate, individualized study plan.

The Film and Video Cinematography specialization builds upon the foundational three-year undergraduate Cinematography program, with the core idea of opening new perspectives on the artistic aspect of cinematographic work. In the first year of the Master’s program, the emphasis is placed on studying documentary film, while the second year focuses on fiction film. This approach provides a new and broader view of filmmaking, from the perspective of the cinematographer, whose success in achieving a visual result is not solely based on knowledge of technical tools but also on exploring themes, qualities, and motives of communication through film imagery.

The courses are aligned with those in other study programs at the Academy of Dramatic Art, offering students a comprehensive study of advanced forms of film expression in a smaller number of more demanding film projects.

About the Teachers

The professors are recognized for their experience and achievements in their own artistic practice. The documentary film area is led by Assistant Professor Bojan Mrđenović, while the fiction film area is led by Assistant Professor Mario Sablić. The professors who teach the main artistic subjects also serve as mentors to students for all areas of their work during each year of study, playing an integral role outside the classroom. This mentoring approach has significantly improved the quality of the students' work and study results.

The Film and Video Cinematography specialization is open to applicants with a completed undergraduate university degree, as well as to those with a professional bachelor's degree who are actively working in the field of film and video cinematography.

Career Prospects after Graduation

Upon completing the Master's Degree in Cinematography, students earn the title of Master of Cinematography (Mag. art.). Graduates possess knowledge, skills, and artistic competence in the fields of photography, film and electronic photography, and lighting design. Their competencies are not only in the artistic and professional areas of film, television, photography, and lighting design, but also extend to broader fields of visual design and involvement in multimedia projects.