THE INTERNATIONAL THESIS FILM PROJECT
The Program
The International Thesis Film Project is a real world production experience in which Ghetto Film School (GFS) New York, Los Angeles , and London Fellows write, shoot, and edit short Thesis Films in an international location.
In a year-long process, Fellows study the classic and contemporary cinema of the selected country, and write short scripts based on the culture, history and/or landscape of the international location. The top script, the director of the film, and the crew is chosen through a student-led selection process.
Fellows receive feedback from top actors and industry leaders through a Table Read process. The student crew shoots the Thesis Film during a 10-day trip to an international location, and the finished films screen at a premiere hosted by A-list actors and filmmaking professionals.
“One of the main goals of EFF, Iris In, and the International Thesis Project is to give young filmmakers real world filmmaking knowledge and experience. It brings me great pride that, together, we are making a difference in the lives of future filmmakers who will go on to change the industry for the better.”
— Erika Olde, Founder, Erika Film Foundation, (Partner, 2020 GFS International Thesis Film Project)
The 2020 Erika Film Foundation International Thesis Film Project
These films, created in partnership with the Erika Film Foundation (EFF), were originally scheduled to be shot in South Korea in August 2020. But due to COVID-related health and safety restrictions, international travel was no longer possible.
Our students quickly adapted their plans for domestic shoots, while working with Film LA monitors, and Screen Actors Guild representatives to follow strict safety protocols.
In early August 2020, GFS LA and NY Fellows finished shooting the Erika Film Foundation International Thesis Film Project, MODERN EDUCATION (Written by Andrew Oh, Directed by Yeneca Kim) and NEIGHBORS (Written and Directed by Elisabeth Viel).
We’re so grateful for our partnership with Erika Film Foundation, which made the International Thesis Film Project possible, and for the guidance and expertise of everyone who helped us wrap these shoots safely and successfully.
You can watch the virtual screening of the 2020 EFF International Thesis Films here.
GFS International Thesis Film Project Films
These films have been shot since 2007, in over 15 countries, including Italy, Israel, London, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and more.
Click below to watch the most recent films, or visit the Ghetto Film School YouTube channel to watch more.
“The Manuscript” and “Cults” - 2019 Rome Thesis Film Projects, Virtual Screening
"Be Free" - 2018 GFS NY Israel Thesis Film Project
"Ghost of a Chance" - 2017 GFS LA London Thesis Film Project
"Charley Horse" - 2018 GFS LA Israel Thesis Film Project
"Genesis“ - 2017 GFS NY London Thesis Film Project
“Demon's Gate” - 2016 GFS LA Tokyo Thesis Film