Experimental & Nonfiction Film
In today’s media-saturated world, visual fluency is as essential as verbal fluency. We communicate through filmic forms that go beyond conventional storytelling—through experimental cinema, documentary film, essay video, immersive environments, and hybrid nonfictional formats that challenge how we perceive and construct reality.
“The ability to both read and write visual information—the ability to learn visually, to think and solve problems in the visual domain—will, as the information revolution evolves, become a requirement for success in business and in life.The ability to critically understand, create, and reflect on visual narratives is crucial for contemporary creators.”
— Dave Gray
Pushing the Boundaries of Film
+++ PLEASE NOTE: This programme runs only in Summer Semester! It will run in a slightly different format in Summer Semester 2026. More information will follow in autumn 2025.+++
The Minor in Experimental and Nonfiction Film offers students an interdisciplinary space to explore visual storytelling across documentary, experimental, and emerging media formats. Designed for students with prior experience in media production, the program emphasizes both conceptual development and technical skill, enabling participants to craft visually engaging and critically reflective works rooted in real-world themes and personal narratives.
Throughout the semester, students are introduced to the creative processes behind experimental filmmaking, from idea generation and visual research to final production. They engage with nonfictional formats, contemporary media theory, and the role of visual language in shaping perception and meaning. The program also covers key aspects of screen-based communication, including motion graphics, visual effects, and digital compositing. Creative thinking is developed through structured workshops and hands-on projects, culminating in the creation of experimental short films and visual media concepts that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Application Details and Equipment Requirements
The curriculum combines seminars, production labs, and excursions within Germany. A portfolio submission (web link or PDF) is required for application. Students must bring their own laptop equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects). A personal contribution of approximately 200 € is expected for travel-related activities. Participation also requires agreement to the HdM production guidelines and rights assignment which are provided prior to the semester.
About programs
Exchange students are able to choose from a variety of English-taught Minor Programs. Each Minor is a one semester long set program. Most Minors run every semester, and normally consist of 30 ECTS credits. 1 ECTS credit normally equals approximately 30 hours of work. Please note that it is NOT possible to pick and mix courses from different Minors. In order to be admitted to one of our Minors, we expect students to have a language level of B2 or higher in English (non-native speakers need to include proof of language proficiency in their application documents).
Courses
| Module name | ECTS |
| Creativity and Media | 8 |
| Screen Design | 6 |
| Contemporary Media and Arts | 8 |
| Visual Excercises | 4 |
| German Society and Culture | 2 |
| German Language Course | 2 |
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