By Fatima Salinas 

For students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences's cinematic arts program, filmmaking is more than learning how to operate a camera or edit footage.  

According to cinema student Jacob Bovenmyer, the program teaches students how to think critically, collaborate creatively, and develop confidence in their own artistic voice. 

“When I stepped into my first film studies class, I really just knew I had found my place,” Bovenmyer said. 

The program combines directing, cinematography, screenwriting, and editing with the study of film history and theory, allowing students to understand not only how films are made, but what they communicate. 

“You are not just making films. You are thinking about what they mean; you learn by doing and making films,” he said. 

Collaboration plays a central role in that learning process. Students regularly work together on projects that mirror professional filmmaking environments, building trust and communication skills along the way. 

"One of my favorite experiences here at the university has been working on film projects with other students and collaborating with classmates who also share my passion for storytelling,” Bovenmyer said. “Collaboration is at the core of what we do.” 

Access to professional-grade equipment has allowed him to bring creative ideas to life in ways he had not imagined before. Beyond production work, he says the program has helped him develop skills in visual storytelling, critical thinking, and teamwork. 

The program also encourages students to experiment and develop their own creative identity. Rather than pushing one style of filmmaking, it allows space for exploration and personal voice. 

“As I look forward, I feel confident that the cinema program at Iowa has prepared me to pursue a career in the film industry,” he said. 

Take a look below to see Jacob’s experience in the cinematic arts department: