St. Edward’s Film Department stands out as the only dedicated high school film program in the region, focused on equipping students with 21st-century filmmaking skills through hands-on, project-based learning.
The approach emphasizes collaboration, service, and ethical storytelling, turning students into not just viewers, but creators who write, shoot, and edit their own projects.
Film students produce SETV, a weekly student news show that involves everything from writing and filming to editing and broadcasting content for the entire school. It’s a great way to gain real-world communication experience.
With six distinct courses, the curriculum is built around the latest technology and industry-standard hardware and software, chosen with input from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and industry pros. Students gain all the technical skills needed for filmmaking—from screenwriting and set design to camera work and editing—but that’s just the beginning. By working together to create impactful stories, student filmmakers develop skills that are valuable in any field. They learn how to collaborate on a shared vision, engage in civil discourse, compromise, and coordinate complex team efforts—qualities that make them more caring and attentive listeners.
St. Edward students have gone on to earn spots in some of the nation’s top film schools and have won awards at both regional and national film festivals.
Classroom Highlight
Each year, students partner with a local nonprofit organization to produce a documentary that tackles important local issues. Past projects have highlighted the stories of Syrian refugees, explored the experiences of women and girls in the Me Too Movement, and shed light on Cleveland’s homeless population. These documentaries stand as powerful examples of our students’ commitment to servant leadership and ethical storytelling.
