The Provost has approved a department name change from the Department of Film to the UNLV School of Cinematic Arts. The new name is a comprehensive, future-proof designation that covers the full spectrum of creative and technical disciplines involved in the study and production of moving images. There are no other changes associated with this name change. Effective: April 15, 2026

Dean Nancy Uscher
As we saw in the Provost Alert message this morning, a change of name of the Department of Film to the UNLV School of Cinematic Arts has been approved, and will become official in the middle of next month. I want to congratulate our Department of Film for this step forward in the evolution of this unit/discipline that has taken place over many years. Congratulations to Chair Heather Addison and the film faculty and students!

I believe this change will benefit our college, university and community. I am very excited about this news.

Dr. Heather Addison
I am incredibly excited to announce that, before the end of this semester, the UNLV Department of Film (UNLV FILM) will become the UNLV School of Cinematic Arts (UNLV CinArts). 

I'd like to take a moment to celebrate this milestone, which is a critical step in our journey as an emerging, nationally ranked film school. Our core mission and programs remain the same, but becoming a School of Cinematic Arts will raise our profile and allow us to do MORE for all of our current and future students.

This evolution would not have been possible without the tireless, inspiring dedication of everyone who has stewarded, supported, and been a part of UNLV FILM over many decades. To all of them, and to all of you, I offer a heartfelt "THANK YOU."

Together, we will embrace a bold, new vision of what cinema can become--for our region and our world.