CLAREMORE, Okla. — Cherokee Nation is furthering its commitment to the growing film industry through a new partnership with Rogers State University, creating an academic pathway for students to earn college credit for courses completed at the tribe’s Cherokee Film Institute.
CFI is the only tribally operated education and workforce development center dedicated to preparing Native Americans for careers in the film and media industry. The hands-on, industry-standard courses equip students with the skills needed for entry-level roles, with a distinct focus on Native American representation and below-the-line production.
“As the film and media industry continues to grow, Cherokee Nation is committed to leading the way in developing the skilled workforce needed to support that momentum,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “By pairing the proven, hands-on training offered through Cherokee Film Institute with the value of higher education at Rogers State University, we are creating a stronger pathway for students to gain practical experience, earn college credit and build meaningful careers in this growing industry.”
CFI’s certification program includes curriculum across five core areas:
Intro to Industry: Provides a comprehensive overview of career opportunities and the current film and media landscape. Unique to CFI, the course also explores Native American representation, protocols for working with tribes and best practices for filming on tribal lands.
Intro to Production Office: Introduces students to the operations of a feature film production office, including administrative responsibilities and coordination among production departments.
Intro to Location Management: Covers location scouting, industry communications best practices and collaboration among production departments.
Intro to Camera Basics: Provides foundational skills and knowledge for beginning camera operators.
Intro to Postproduction Sound: Provides comprehensive overview of career opportunities within the sound department, familiarizes students with industry-standard digital audio workstations and the technical skills needed to contribute to the field of sound production.
Through the new partnership, students may earn three credit hours at RSU for each eligible CFI Production Assistant program course completed, beginning this fall. Up to 15 credit hours may be applied as elective credit toward RSU’s Bachelor of Arts in communications, film arts option.
“The work happening through Cherokee Film Institute aligns naturally with our commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom,” said RSU President Don Raleigh. “By bringing together hands-on, industry-based training and higher education, we are giving students a distinct advantage as they enter the workforce. They will have the academic foundation, practical experience and industry knowledge needed to step into their careers prepared to contribute from day one.”
CFI courses are open to anyone 18 or older and are led by industry professionals at Cherokee Film Studios in Owasso and the Tulsa Tech Owasso Campus.
CFI is part of the broader Cherokee Film ecosystem, based within the Cherokee Nation Reservation in Oklahoma. It includes four distinct branches — Cherokee Film Productions, Cherokee Film Studios, Cherokee Film Commission and Cherokee Film Institute — all working toward a shared goal of advancing narrative sovereignty while creating economic development opportunities within the reservation.
panduan-optimasi-windows-untuk-gamingRogers State University is the only public residential university in the Tulsa metro area and is engaged in several academic partnerships with Cherokee Nation.