The Department was established in 1991 by a decision of the Academic Council of South-West University “Neofit Rilski”.
In accordance with changes in the legislation and in the structure of the university, since 1992 the specialties Acting, Film and Television Directing, Film and Television Cinematography, Film and Television Editing have been included in the structure of the Faculty of Arts, where students are trained in the following professional fields: Theatre and Film Arts, Music and Dance Arts, Fine Arts, Sociology, Anthropology and Cultural Studies.
The Department of Television, Theatre and Film Arts has developed a development strategy for professional field 8.4 “Theatre and Film Arts”, whose main goals and priorities correspond with the mission and strategy of South-West University “Neofit Rilski” and also reflect the specific nature of education in this field.
MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TELEVISION, THEATRE AND FILM ARTS:
- to provide high-quality education with creative, theoretical, and practical training;
- to guarantee successful professional realization of graduates in the fields of cinema, television, and theatre;
- to develop high technical qualifications in accordance with the dynamics of new technologies in cinema, television, and theatre;
- to maintain broad general culture and skills in various areas of art and creativity;
- to provide opportunities for research activities in the fields of audiovisual arts, media, education, and culture;
- to create works that strengthen the image of Bulgarian art at national and international level.
VISION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TELEVISION, THEATRE AND FILM ARTS
The vision for the development of the Department of Television, Theatre and Film Arts is to develop as an important part of arts education in Bulgaria, to establish itself as a center for educating and developing creative professionals whose achievements contribute to raising the prestige of Bulgarian cinema, television, and theatre.
The department aims to create its programs in accordance with global trends in the development of education in the fields of art and culture, introducing the latest technological achievements.
Through the creative work and accomplishments of lecturers and students, the department increases its authority within the Faculty of Arts, at South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, in Bulgaria, and abroad.
PRIORITIES:
- improvement of Bachelor’s and Master’s educational programs in accordance with contemporary trends in arts education;
- harmonization of educational programs with rapidly developing technologies in the fields of cinema and television;
- creation of high-value artistic works that are competitive nationally and internationally;
- improvement of doctoral programs by focusing on the development of important and current issues in the field of arts;
- improvement of joint activities between lecturers and students in the creation of artistic and creative works;
- implementation of the latest technological achievements in the fields of cinema, television, and theatre;
- development of broad general culture and skills in various areas of art and creativity.
MAIN RESOURCES NECESSARY FOR ACHIEVING THE STRATEGIC GOALS:
- modern equipment and innovative teaching tools;
- improvement of the qualifications of the academic staff;
- an established and motivated teaching team with professional experience;
- originality and creativity in artistic and creative works.
The Department of Television, Theatre and Film Arts has developed specific methodologies for ensuring modern methods and forms of teaching.
The specific characteristics of arts education are expressed through:
- applying acquired knowledge through practical implementation of theoretical preparation;
- applying acquired knowledge through creative presentations – exhibitions, concerts, screenings, performances, and participation in festivals in Bulgaria and abroad;
- public presentation of acquired knowledge through creative activities;
- independence and creativity in the learning process, which are necessarily developed and expressed to a greater extent in professional training;
- a continuous transition from theory to practice and back again.
The department has modern television, film, and editing equipment. In 2019, a Film and TV Studio equipped with the latest technology was opened, as well as a theatre hall with 180 seats, a chamber hall, and a rehearsal room. This provides students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for their future creative careers. One of the main focuses of student training is the strong emphasis on practical application.
The department’s lecturers are distinguished creators from the fields of cinema, television, and theatre. Recognized professionals from the cultural sector are also invited as lecturers, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, which are the foundation of students’ future creative realization.
Graduates of the programs in professional field 8.4 “Theatre and Film Arts” successfully develop their careers in various areas of film, television, and theatre arts.
The employment rate of graduates is over 80%. A large number of the department’s alumni have received prestigious awards at national and international festivals.
The department maintains the Facebook page: Катедра "Телевизионно, театрално и киноизкуство" where current events and students’ achievements are presented.
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