Delve into Film

Enroll in a Film course at Skyline College to gain an introductory understanding of film production, editing, and scriptwriting, while studying the history of film and the accomplishments of various pioneers in the the industry.

a woman in professional clothing is filmed in an interview setting

The Program

Enroll in a Film course at Skyline College to gain an introductory understanding of film production, editing, and scriptwriting, while studying the history of film and the accomplishments of various pioneers in the the industry.

Career Outlook

The State of California Employment Development Department provides an online Occupational Guide that provides helpful job descriptions, job outlooks and wages, and qualification requirements for a wide variety of careers. Use this guide to find more information about a career that may interest you.

Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?

Check out the current class schedule.

All Courses

FILM 100 Introduction to Film (3 units)

A critical analysis of film history and culture, focusing on film and media literacy, and the cultural, social, and ethical impacts of mediated representations. Students learn to critique a range of film genres and forms, through an exploration of modes of production, narrative and non-narrative forms, visual design, editing, sound, genre, history, culture and ideology. Examines broad questions of form and content, aesthetics and meaning, and the diverse possibilities presented by the cinematic art form. Students develop a visual and ideological understanding of film. (Formerly offered as FILM 440.)

FILM 123 Documentary Film: Studies and Practice (4 units)

Introduction to the history, methods and practice of documentary film through a critical survey of key historical and contemporary documentaries. Students will explore examples of documentary work that emphasize the methodologies, philosophies and ethics of documentary film. The class pays particular attention to documentary form and its impact on content. It will also address how the historical evolution of documentary forms has changed the ways documentary filmmakers convey information.

A certificate in digital film-making is available through the Digital Media and Design Program.

Program Type Total Units
User Experience Design CA 15 Units
Basic Digital Filmmaking CS 12 Units

Skyline College Creative Arts introduces you to creative thought leaders in the visual and performing arts, as they share their personal and professional journeys, providing insight into the creative process, illuminating career pathways, and shining a spotlight on the impact of creative arts in cultural and social movements. Join us, as we go Behind the Curtain.

Behind the Curtain

Get free access to thousands of movies by logging in with your Skyline College student or staff credentials.

Visit Kanopy
Office Information

Location: Building 1
Email: socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-4122

Spring 2025 Courses  |  Fall 2024 Courses

Type Status Title Days Time Instructor
Online Class OPEN for Waitlist FILM 100 - 47801 - Introduction to Film
FILM 100 Introduction to Film

A critical analysis of film history and culture, focusing on film and media literacy, and the cultural, social, and ethical impacts of mediated representations. Students learn to critique a range of film genres and forms, through an exploration of modes of production, narrative and non-narrative forms, visual design, editing, sound, genre, history, culture and ideology. Examines broad questions of form and content, aesthetics and meaning, and the diverse possibilities presented by the cinematic art form. Students develop a visual and ideological understanding of film. (Formerly offered as FILM 440.)

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9C2
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area C1), UC (IGETC Area 3A)
TBA Uyehara, S
Online Class OPEN FILM 100 - 47802 - Introduction to Film
FILM 100 Introduction to Film

A critical analysis of film history and culture, focusing on film and media literacy, and the cultural, social, and ethical impacts of mediated representations. Students learn to critique a range of film genres and forms, through an exploration of modes of production, narrative and non-narrative forms, visual design, editing, sound, genre, history, culture and ideology. Examines broad questions of form and content, aesthetics and meaning, and the diverse possibilities presented by the cinematic art form. Students develop a visual and ideological understanding of film. (Formerly offered as FILM 440.)

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9C2
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area C1), UC (IGETC Area 3A)
TBA Uyehara, S
Online Class OPEN FILM 100 - 48449 - Introduction to Film
FILM 100 Introduction to Film

A critical analysis of film history and culture, focusing on film and media literacy, and the cultural, social, and ethical impacts of mediated representations. Students learn to critique a range of film genres and forms, through an exploration of modes of production, narrative and non-narrative forms, visual design, editing, sound, genre, history, culture and ideology. Examines broad questions of form and content, aesthetics and meaning, and the diverse possibilities presented by the cinematic art form. Students develop a visual and ideological understanding of film. (Formerly offered as FILM 440.)

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9C2
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area C1), UC (IGETC Area 3A)
TBA Uyehara, S

Stories of Transformation Film Festival

The “Stories of Transformation” Film Festival provides a forum to celebrate our Skyline College community’s rich cultural diversity as well as our district’s diverse student enrollment and discuss important issues of diversity, equity and inclusion that promote a shared humanity.

The event is designed to foster an open and inclusive campus by sharing films that spotlight the strength and spirit of diverse groups and individuals from the around the world who have experienced their own transformative journeys. We will use art as springboard for exploring social justice issues in a safe space that encourages honest discourse.

festival logo: four profiled heads in pink, yellow, purple, and orange overlap, with a yellow sunburst in the middle

We are excited to share stories that reflect the ideas of discovery, innovation, and change that are integral to stories of transformation.

Stories of Transformation is funded through the generosity of the San Mateo Community College District EEOC Diversity Project Grant.


2021 Film Festival - Vital Voices

Transformative Stories of Middle Eastern Women

View the Panel Discussion Recording

We Are Not Princesses

We Are Not Princesses is a documentary film about the incredible strength and spirit of four Syrian women living as refugees in Beirut as they come together to tell their stories of love, loss, pain, and hope through the ancient Greek play, Antigone. This film focuses on the resilient, intelligent, articulate Syrian women picking up the pieces of their lives. Available to stream on Kanopy.

Co-Directed by Bridgette Auger and Itab Azzam
Co-Produced and Edited by Sara Maamouri

About the Film | Watch Trailer | LibGuide

WE ARE N9T PRINCESSES

The Judge

The Judge offers a unique portrait of Judge Kholoud—her brave journey as a lawyer, her tireless fight for justice for women, and presents an unfolding vérité legal drama, with rare insight into both Islamic law and gendered justice. In the process, this offers an unvarnished look at life for women and Shari’a.
 

Directed by Erica Cohn
Co-Produced and Edited by Sara Maamouri

About the Film | Watch Trailer | LibGuide

THE JUDGE

THE PROGRAM 

5:00 p.m. - Welcome

  • Danni Redding Lapuz | Dean, Social Science/Creative Arts
  • Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza | Vice President Instruction

5:10 p.m. - Film Screening - The Judge

6:30 p.m. - Panel Discussion including

  • Co-Producer | Editor of both films, Sara Maamouri
  • Student and Community voices from the Muslim diaspora
  • Faculty Moderator and filmmaker Tamara Perkins

7:30 p.m. - Film Screening - We Are Not Princesses

9:00 p.m. - “Meet the Filmmaker” Reception

9:30 p.m. - Event Close

About our Panelists

Sara Maamouri, Co-Producer and Editor, and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker and editor

Tamara Perkins, MFA, Faculty Moderator, and award-winning filmmaker

Kathy Zarur, PhD, Associate Professor Art History, Skyline College and curator

Mahsa Tavakkoli, Silicon Valley Intensive English Program (SVIEP) Instructor

Student Panelists

Umaima Ejaz, Skyline Student and Editor-in-Chief, Skyline View

Hajer Mkawer, CSM Student and President of CSM Muslim Student Association

Read more about the panelists


Library Resources

Festival Overview

LibGuide- The Judge

LibGuide - We Are Not Princesses

Additonal Resources

Primary Contact

Social Science Creative Arts
Social Science Creative Arts (Account for Social Sci/Creative Arts)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
More details »

Department Faculty

Tamara Perkins
Tamara Perkins (Adjunct Faculty at Skyline\CSM)
Language Arts-Film
perkinst@smccd.edu More details »

Acting Dean & Division Assistant

Bianca Rowden-Quince
Bianca Rowden-Quince (Acting Dean of Social Sciences/Creative Arts)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
rowdenquinceb@smccd.edu More details »
Lynette Caballero
Lynette Caballero (Division Assistant)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
caballerol@smccd.edu More details »