The Academy for Creative Media, part of the University of Hawai‘i at College of Arts and Humanities, emphasizes narrative, or story telling, theories, skills and application across multiple platforms of digital media and within a context of cultural and aesthetic values. ACM seeks to empower students to tell their own stories of Hawaii, the Pacific and Asia rather than have those stories told for them through a different cultural lens that is distant and often distorted.

ACM offers a core curriculum in three tracks: Digital Cinema, Computer Animation, and Critical Studies.

Students in the Digital Cinema track focus on all aspects of filmmaking: screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, editing and post-production sound. The program promotes diverse storytelling through the production of narrative, experimental, documentary and indigenous short films. Production courses are taught using industry-standard film equipment, which allows students to gain an understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking while using current technology. This track fosters a collaborative and professional environment for learning. Admission to the digital cinema track is based on the submission of an artist’s portfolio (See portfolio requirements).

ACM Student Learning Objectives

Students have the flexibility to design an individual academic program around a core of ACM courses and electives, as well as electives from a variety of UHM departments offering courses in film studies, digital design, and technology. ACM stresses the interdisciplinary nature of media production and study within an Arts & Sciences foundation. Students work in close consultation with faculty to develop an academically and personally meaningful and rigorous interdisciplinary program that reflects the development of academic, technical, creative and critical thinking skills.

1. Critical Thinking

• Abilities in problem-solving, research, and application of theory to practice
• Appreciation for the study and production of films that help people phrase arguments, evaluate positions and listen well to informed and diverse civic conversation.

2. Writing

• Creative and critical expression through writing
• Knowledge, appreciation and skills in narrative and cinematic storytelling.

3. History and Aesthetics

• A history and appreciation of cinematic media
• The ability to critically evaluate, using a cinematic vocabulary, their own work and the work of others.

4. Professional Skills 

• Knowledge of professional/industry standards, practice and protocols in technical production and in the general economics of mainstream and independent production
• Development of multiple techniques and technical skills in visual and cinematic production

5. Creativity

• Development of, and appreciation for, an artistic voice, particularly a Hawai’i-influenced voice
• The processes of producing a creative project for public consumption

6. Responsibility

• Development of group dynamic skills in both collaboration and leadership.
• Knowledge and application of media ethics, developing a personal and professional responsibility.

7. Student-Centered Learning

ACM students take responsibility for their own learning. ACM courses are designed as active learning laboratories where students immediately apply theoretical concepts and professional practice to their work. Individually and in groups, students learn from the instructor, from texts (including films as well as books), and equally as important – from each other and from their own experiences. ACM adopts a model of classroom instruction where instructors mentor students, provide them with the tools and skill sets for excellence, and allow them to explore their own creative and academic potential.

For more info about UH Mānoa’s program, please visit their site.