Welcome ᏕᏨᏯᏓᏂᎸᎦ to the Institute
This is Cherokee Film Institute. Cherokee Nation’s first film and media education and workforce development center — built for future storytellers like you.
We provide students who want to work in the film industry the chance to develop their interest into a skillset through top-quality education, craft development, mentorship, and hands-on training. Our desire is for that skillset to lead to opportunities within the film industry that not only provide for the individual and their family, but also inspire others to pursue their ambitions in the field. We’re eager to develop future storytellers and create sustainable career opportunities within Cherokee Nation – your story starts here.
“We’re showing that native stories are best told by those with authentic perspectives. Empowering a talented Native workforce is essential to ensuring Native Americans are seen, heard and respected in this growing industry. This is more than a place of learning; it’s a place of empowerment and a solution to a problem. Native misrepresentation stops here.”
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
Courses Offered
Cherokee Film Institute will offer a variety of courses taught by leading industry professionals. Below is a list of courses that are currently being offered with additional classes in various areas of study to be added at a later date.
Required — 40 hours
Introduction to Industry
Students will gain a holistic overview of all career opportunities in the film & media industry, as well as the state of the industry. CFI stands apart from other programs because of its focus on Native American representation. The required Introduction to Industry course offers content not found in other training programs, such as what to expect when filming with tribes and protocol for filming on tribal lands.
Electives — 80 hours
Introduction to Camera Basics
Students will learn the basic information to become a beginning camera operator from curriculum created by a member of the American Society of Cinematographers.
Introduction to Locations
Students will learn how to scout potential film locations, best practices in communication and working with different production departments to ensure success, among other skills.
Production Accounting
Students will learn how to manage the financial and accounting side of production, best practices in tracking income and expenditures and reporting out to producers and film financiers. Students will also learn the basics of film incentives.
Introduction to Production Office
Students will learn how to work in and run the production office of a feature film, where all administrative tasks are handled and how to work with all production departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I attend Cherokee Film Institute?
Cherokee Film Institute is the first-of-its-kind endeavor by a tribe. Our program was created to be more inclusive of Native Americans in film and media while providing industry-standard workforce education for individuals interested in entering the industry.
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Who can apply to Cherokee Film Institute?
Cherokee Film Institute courses are open to anyone over 18 who is interested in gaining the skills and training needed to enter the film and media industry.
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Is Cherokee Film Institute only for Cherokees and Native American citizens?
No. Cherokee Film Institute is open to anyone who is interested in gaining the skills and training needed to enter the film and media industry, including non-Native Americans.
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How and where do I apply?
Anyone interested in applying to attend Cherokee Film Institute can fill out the application located here. Applications are reviewed and scored on an admissions rubric every quarter and admissions decisions are announced no less than 30 days before classes begin.
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Once I’m accepted, how long do I have to complete my certification?
Once you receive communication that you’ve been accepted you must enroll with your cohort. After that you have one year to complete the CFI certification. After that time period is up, you must reapply to complete certification.
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Do I have to be a college student to take CFI courses?
No. Cherokee Film Institute courses are available to anyone 18 years or older who is interested in becoming trained to work in the film industry.
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Who is eligible for a tuition waiver?
Tuition waivers are temporarily available for citizens of the Cherokee Nation or other federally recognized tribes.
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What is the process to receive a tuition waiver?
Cherokee and Native citizens with proof of citizenship who are accepted to Cherokee Film Institute automatically receive a tuition waiver.
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Are tuition waivers awarded for each course, or for the entire program?
Tuition waivers awarded by Cherokee Film Institute cover the cost of tuition for up to three CFI courses taken over a 12-month period.
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Are Cherokee Film Institute courses offered virtually?
Currently, Cherokee Film Institute courses are only offered in person at Cherokee Film Studios, Owasso Campus.
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What happens if I don’t finish a course?
Students who do not finish a course will not earn credit for that course towards their certification. They will need to work with a CFI staff advisor to determine their next steps in the program.
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How much does it cost to attend Cherokee Film Institute?
Each CFI course costs $700 to attend. Workshops and other programming that are included in the CFI certification program may charge other fees. However, Cherokee Nation citizens or citizens of another federally recognized tribe are eligible to apply for tuition waivers that cover the cost of certification ($2,100).
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How do I know if a course I’ve already taken elsewhere can count toward my CFI certification?
CFI certifies affiliate courses on a case-by-case basis. All curriculum must be submitted by the owner to be considered by CFI. For example, if you took a class at the University of Tulsa, only that institution is allowed to submit the curriculum to CFI for consideration.
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How long does it take to complete the certification?
CFI certification is earned through completing and passing 120 contact hours of CFI or CFI-approved workforce training. Coursework may vary from student to student. Certificate earners are required to take CFI’s “Intro to the Industry” (40 hours), followed by 80 elective hours of approved coursework. Course dates vary with different courses being offered each month. Certification can be earned within 3 months.
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How do I know the courses at CFI are industry-standard?
CFI courses are designed by subject matter experts and reviewed by industry professionals. This allows us to make sure that all coursework from the CFI and approved programs align with the current trends and standards of the film and media industry.
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Is a Cherokee Film Institute certification required to work on productions in the Cherokee Nation?
No, working on productions in Cherokee Nation is at the sole discretion of the production company. However, certification earners are accredited by Cherokee Film.
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What if CFI courses don’t align with my schedule?
CFI does not follow a traditional school semester. Courses will be offered at different times, such as on weekends and in the evening, in an attempt to accommodate as many students’ varied schedules as possible.
