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 Minor runs only in Summer Semester +++
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.
IMPORTANT: Your studies at HdM will commence with a kick-off weekend trip with the whole student group in this Minor, lead by your HdM Minor Coordinator. You will be working with your group on different topics and get to know your fellow students by engaging in various ice-breaker excercises. You will travel together away from Stuttgart for 3 nights to a location in Southern Germany. Please therefore wait with any other travel arrangements for the weekends before and after the first week of teaching (until you receive the kick-off weekend details). During the semester, you will also visit museums and exhibitions in Stuttgart and neighbouring cities.
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 our programmes
Exchange students are able to choose from a variety of English-taught Minor Programmes. Each Minor is a one semester long set programme. 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).
Course List
| Module Code | Module | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| 221143 | Creativity and Media | 8 |
| 221201 | Screen Design | 6 |
| 221144 | Contemporary Media and Arts | 8 |
| 221135 | Visual Effects Excercises | 4 |
| 822448 | German Society & Culture | 2 |
| German Language Course | 2 |
1 ECTS credit point usually corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. This work consists of a mix of lectures, seminars, project work, and independent study. Our minors are designed as one-semester programs with 30 ECTS credits.
**Depending on available capacity, the module 822429 Intercultural Communication may also be taken.
Contact
For any non-academic enquiries, please contact the HdM Exchanges Team at incomings@hdm-stuttgart.de