Program Overview
Location: Portugal
Course codes: FIPR 469 / CINE 434 (3 credits)
Course title: Studies in Film @ FEST Film Festival
Faculty lead: William Brown (Department of Theatre & Film)
Dates:
- In-country: June 19 – June 27, 2027
- Overall program commitment: May 17 – June 28, 2027
Funding: See Funding section below.
Applications are now open for Summer 2027 programs:
Click Here for Application Instructions
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About the Course
CINE 434 and FIPR 469 involve a trip to the Fest Film Festival in Espinho, Portugal. For CINE students, this presents an opportunity to study the machinations and organization of a real-world film festival - and to report on it in the form of a podcast during the festival. Meanwhile, for FIPR students, the trip presents an opportunity to program and to show their original work. Both of these opportunities are embedded within courses that allow students to study the theory and practice of contemporary and historical film festivals, which themselves play a key role in global film culture, as well as in the careers of any aspiring filmmaker.
Both courses combine a scholarly approach with an emphasis on employability, allowing students to consider the history and present, as well as the politics, of programming and curation. Students will benefit from Fest’s Training Ground, a unique series of masterclasses by leading film practitioners, while also creating a global network of peers via interactions with other festival-goers.
Students will choose either FIPR 469 or CINE 434.
Program Eligibility
General Global Seminar requirements
To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:
- Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
- In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
- Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying
- Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
- Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating
Program-specific requirements
- This is an interdisciplinary program – all are welcome.
Final selection will be made by the lead faculty program directors. Space in the program may be limited.
Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.
Time Commitment
Pre-departure
Go Global Pre-departure session in early April. There will be 6 lectures/seminars/screenings in May before departure, in which students will study the history and theory of festivals.
In-country dates
The in-country portion of the program will run from June 19 – June 27, 2027.
Post-travel
A summative audiovisual reflection will be due after returning from Portugal.
Overall dates
May 17 – June 28, 2027
Experience and Conditions in the Field
Field activities
In Vancouver, students will attend 6 lectures and seminars in order learn more about the history and theory of film festivals, study films, prepare, and get to know one another. Once in Espinho, students will attend film screenings, masterclasses, workshops and other events involving leading professionals from the world of film and media. Students can expect to have activities from 10am – 8pm while in Espinho.
Housing
Students will stay in shared apartments (typically 4 students to an apartment, with some in shared rooms). There will be a shared bathroom and kitchenette per group.
Transportation
Trains or taxis will be taken to Espinho from the airport in Porto.
Accessibility and Considerations
We encourage students with accessibility concerns to reach out early to the lead faculty program directors to discuss potential accommodations and determine whether the program is a good fit for their needs.
Mobility and infrastructure
The spaces students will visit in Espinho are accessible. Course activities will involve some walking between venues.
Dietary and personal needs
Most meals are the responsibility of students. Those with specific dietary requirements should be prepared to manage their needs in this context.
Program Fees and Costs
Approximate program fees: $1250-$1450*
*The final fee depends on the number of students in the program. All Global Seminars only run if there is a minimum number of students enrolled.
Included:
- Accommodations during the Festival
- Full FEST Pro Festival Pass
- Some group meals (breakfasts and some networking dinners)
- On-site guest lectures and activities
Not Included:
- Go Global Fee ($440.00)
- Flights
- UBC tuition for credits
- Visa/country entrance fees
- Health/travel insurance (Most students are covered through AMS, but may choose to purchase additional coverage)
- Most meals
- Personal spending money*
* Some examples of personal costs include: mobile communication, personal transportation that is not related to the learning outcomes of the program, additional meals that are not already identified as part of the Program Fee, immunizations, Visas, etc.
Funding
Go Global Award
All eligible students in this Global Seminar will automatically receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. No separate application is required.
Global Pathfinder Award
The Global Pathfinder Award supports students who face barriers to participating in study abroad. It provides $2,000 for Summer Abroad, Global Seminar, or Research Abroad programs. Students who have not previously participated in Go Global and who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
Students successful in their Pathfinder application will receive this award instead of the $1000 Go Global Award. The awards do not stack. Learn more about the Global Pathfinder Award
Go Global Sustainability Award
Students who demonstrate a plan for sustainable travel, an interest in climate action, and engagement with UBC’s sustainability initiatives may be eligible for a $1,000 Sustainability Award. This award is offered in addition to the Go Global Award. Learn more about the Go Global Sustainability Award
Program Safety
Please see our Preparing to Apply page.