Akira Kurosawa School of Film
June 6, 2023 2026-09-16 13:54Akira Kurosawa School of Film
Akira Kurosawa School of Film
The Akira Kurosawa School of Film brings together the creative, technical, and academic study of filmmaking through an online Master of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking.
The program combines practical filmmaking with the study of film history, aesthetics, theory, screenwriting, production, post-production, and the international film business. Students learn from filmmakers and film professionals while developing their own creative work and examining cinema from a global perspective.
Named for one of Japan’s most influential filmmakers, the School places Akira Kurosawa’s work within the broader history of world cinema and encourages students to develop their own understanding of storytelling, visual language, and cinematic craft.
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routes in — a graduate MFA, and an undergraduate completion degree
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institute within the school: the Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute
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filmed tributes, including Spielberg, Lucas and Scorsese
1989
the year Kurosawa received his Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement
Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute
The Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute brings together communication, storytelling, media, performance, and entertainment through an interdisciplinary approach to creative study.
Named in memory of actress, writer, and performer Carrie Hamilton, the Institute reflects a belief in creativity as both an artistic practice and a way to communicate ideas, experiences, and perspectives to wider audiences. Its academic focus goes beyond filmmaking alone, examining how stories are developed, shaped, and delivered across contemporary media and entertainment environments.
At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Arts in Creative Communications completion program combines study in communication, media, storytelling, and creative practice with a concentration in Film & Entertainment. The program is designed for students who want to strengthen both their creative abilities and their understanding of how communication functions across film, digital media, and related industries.
The Institute also sits within a broader creative ecosystem that connects undergraduate study with advanced filmmaking opportunities, allowing students to explore how communication, production, visual storytelling, and entertainment intersect across different stages of academic and professional development.
The Enduring Influence of Akira Kurosawa
Akira Kurosawa was one of the defining filmmakers of the 20th century, known for combining powerful visual composition, precise movement, literary storytelling, and deeply human themes. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he directed films that crossed cultural boundaries and helped introduce Japanese cinema to wider international audiences.
Works including Rashomon, Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Yojimbo, and Ran explored subjects such as morality, leadership, conflict, loyalty, ambition, and the individual’s place within society. His filmmaking was equally influential at a technical level, particularly in his use of editing, weather, camera movement, staging, and multiple perspectives to shape narrative and emotion.
Kurosawa’s influence extends far beyond Japanese cinema. Generations of filmmakers have drawn from his approach to action, character, visual storytelling, and adaptation, and several of his films inspired major works in American and international cinema.
The School carries that legacy forward through a global approach to film education—encouraging students to study cinema critically, understand its history, and develop the craft and judgment needed to create original work of their own.
Kurosawa’s Legacy
Technique, old and new
Traditional filmmaking technique alongside current pre-production, production and post-production technology.
History and theory
The history, theory and global practices of cinema, not only the mechanics of making a film.
Made for every screen
Work built for film festivals, video games, YouTube and emerging digital frontiers.
Hollywood in the room
Insight into industry practice from the people who work in it.
Kurosawa’s Legacy
Hear filmmakers and artists including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Richard Gere, and George Takei reflect on Kurosawa’s work, influence, and contribution to world cinema.
Akira Kurosawa 99th Anniversary Tribute
Steven Spielberg greeting
George Lucas greeting
Martin Scorsese greeting
Richard Gere greeting
Oliver Stone greeting
George Takei greeting
Akira Kurosawa 100th Anniversary Memorial Tribute
Hisao Kurosawa greeting
Talk to a Film Program Advisor
Have questions about the MFA in Digital Filmmaking, the online learning format, or the required residential session? Speak with an advisor to learn more about the program and how it may fit your creative and academic goals.
