Imagine stepping onto a real film set right from your HBCU campus, gripping a Blackmagic camera and crafting stories that amplify Black voices.
©Spelman image credit Broadmoor
That's the reality Spelman College is making possible through an exciting new collaboration with the Georgia Film Academy (GFA). Launching in Spring 2026, this partnership brings introductory courses in film and television production—and post-production—directly to Spelman's trailblazing students. As the first all-women's HBCU to join GFA's network, Spelman is paving the way for the next wave of Black women creators to thrive in Georgia's exploding entertainment scene.
This isn't just about classes; it's a gateway to an 18-credit-hour certification program designed for those eyeing careers in narrative filmmaking, digital media, and beyond. With over 30 partner schools across Georgia's University System and Technical College System, GFA has been a powerhouse since 2015, bridging classroom learning with on-set internships. Now, Spelman joins the ranks—following Clark Atlanta University as the second private HBCU in the fold—making these opportunities even more accessible for our community.
The Groundbreaking Partnership: Spelman and GFA Unite for Atlanta's Film Boom
Picture this: Atlanta, the "Hollywood of the South," pumping out blockbusters and streaming hits, yet craving fresh, diverse talent. Enter Spelman's alliance with GFA, a move that's set to flood the industry with skilled Black women from HBCUs. These courses aren't theoretical—they're immersive, blending lectures on production workflows with practical demos using pro-grade gear like C-stands and industry-standard cameras.
For HBCU students and alumni, this means leveling up in a field where representation matters. Georgia's film sector is growing fast, with jobs in production, editing, and creative roles waiting for those who can bring authentic perspectives. Spelman's legacy of empowering women of African descent pairs perfectly with GFA's hands-on expertise, creating a launchpad for you to direct, produce, and edit stories that resonate worldwide.
Hands-On Skills You'll Gain: From Script to Screen in Real Time
What sets these intro courses apart? From day one, you'll dive into the nuts and bolts of film crafts. Expect to learn on-set protocols, team structures, and the full pipeline—from shooting scenes to polishing them in post-production. GFA's approach means working with the exact tools pros use on Atlanta sets, giving you that edge when applying for internships or entry-level gigs.
Whether you're a Spelman undergrad dreaming of directing your first short or an alum looking to pivot into media, these classes build confidence and credentials. They're open to anyone passionate about Georgia's creative industries, but tailored for those ready to infuse Black narratives into the mainstream. By semester's end, you'll have foundational know-how that could lead to union-covered apprenticeships—think paid gigs on actual TV shows or films.
A word from the Visionaries Driving This Forward
"We're not just teaching skills—we're handing students the keys to professional sets from the jump," shares Scott Votaw, GFA's Assistant Vice Chancellor. "Teaming up with Spelman adds that vital spark of diversity and empowerment to our work, ensuring Georgia's film scene thrives with fresh, confident talent."
Echoing that excitement, Dr. Mark Lee, Spelman's Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, adds: "This is about unlocking doors in film and media for our sisters, where Black perspectives are gold. Merging Spelman's academic rigor with GFA's real-world training? It's the perfect recipe for birthing tomorrow's icons in storytelling."
Ready to Roll Cameras? How HBCU Students Can Jump In
Enrollment kicks off for Spring 2026—spots are limited, so keep an eye on Spelman's announcements. Check out georgiafilmacademy.edu for program deets, or hit up your campus advisors for guidance. Whether you're in Atlanta or tuning in from afar, this is your cue to explore how HBCUs like Spelman are rewriting the script on opportunity.
Stay connected with HBCUWeekNOW.com for more updates on empowering programs like this. What's your take—ready to script your film journey? Drop a comment below.
About Spelman College
Founded in 1881, Spelman College stands as the global leader in educating women of African descent, fostering academic excellence on its vibrant Atlanta campus home to 2,300 students. Ranked #1 among HBCUs for 18 years by U.S. News & World Report, Spelman excels in producing Black women Ph.D.s in STEM and boasts innovative programs in documentary filmmaking, data science, and more. From alumnae like Stacey Abrams to Rosalind Brewer, Spelman's network champions Black leadership across industries.
About Georgia Film Academy
Since 2015, the Georgia Film Academy (GFA) has been a trailblazer in workforce development for Georgia's booming film and creative sectors, partnering with over 30 institutions to deliver certification programs in production, post-production, and digital entertainment. As a unit of the University System of Georgia, GFA connects students to paid internships on real sets, AVID editing certs, and esports training—equipping diverse talent with pro skills for high-demand jobs in Atlanta's "Hollywood South."
