For 20 years, URI’s Film/Media program has brought together creative practice, critical inquiry and hands-on filmmaking.
What began as an interdisciplinary program has grown into a thriving part of the Harrington School of Communication and Media, where students learn by making, analyzing, collaborating and experimenting. Today, Film/Media continues to build on its interdisciplinary roots while preparing the next generation of filmmakers, storytellers and media makers.
Roll Back the Reel: 20 Years of Film/Media
1999 | Film Studies begins
Film Studies is established as an interdisciplinary minor, growing out of URI’s English Department.
2006 | Film/Media becomes a major
Film/Media becomes an undergraduate major in the College of Arts and Sciences, combining film production with critical and media studies.
2008 | The program takes shape
The first FLM-designated courses are introduced, including production and advanced critical studies courses. Film/Media joins the newly established Harrington School of Communication and Media, and more than 150 students are majoring in the program.
2011 | Nearly 200 majors
Film/Media reaches 189 majors as demand for courses continues to grow across the University.
2013 | FLM 101 expands
Large lecture sections of FLM 101 are introduced to meet growing demand, bringing the study of film and media to students from across URI.
Today | 20 years of Film/Media
Film/Media continues to combine creative practice and critical inquiry, giving students opportunities to make, study and experiment with media while connecting with disciplines across URI.
Events
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of URI Film/Media with special events from fall 2026 through spring 2027, including alumni features and short film screenings, visiting lecturers, and more.
The yearlong celebration brings together alumni, students, faculty and friends to celebrate Film/Media’s past, present and future.
Curtis Tsui – Documentarian for the Criterion Collection
October 8, 2026
Thursday 12:30-1:45pm
Ranger 103
Waterwick (Lionel Jeffries, 2025)
October 14, 2026
Wednesday 6pm
Edwards Auditorium
Alumni Short Film Screening Event featuring: Alyssa Botelho, Matt Leake, Elsa Kincaide, Jack Ieronimo and Jonah Major
October 20, 2026
Tuesday 6pm
Chafee 273
Featured Stories
New StrengthenHER study aims to help women 50–75 build strength and preserve independence
Caroline McCullough ’27 - Journalism and Anthropology
Joey Sawyer ’15 - Film/Media
Lainey Sumner ’26 - Film/Media
URI’s Social Media Agency still trending five years in
Padraig Haughton ’26 - Sports Media and Communications and Film/Media
Justin Wyatt analyzes Robert Altman’s film Nashville from a new critical perspective in his new book - Robert Altman's Nashville: An Archival Exploration explores the 1975 film’s satirical commentary on American society through the lens of the director’s archival materials. 
Lionel Jeffries ’22 - Film/Media
