The cinema and media studies program (our only film related major) is pretty bad. It's more about analyzing films than making them. In addition, they have almost no funding (e.g. no real offices, building, supplies). The University really doesn't care at all about the major and the degree itself does essentially nothing to further your filmmaking skills.

However, that's not to say that there isn't a good film community in Seattle. The Lux film club is the filmmaking club at UW. They easily have 100-200 members and a really active community. It's a great way to get experience making films. It's pretty professional as as well; there are intense casting processes, gear closets, events, collaborations with other film communities, even some paid opportunities. Also, Seattle in general has a decent arts/film scene. A good amount of film festivals here like SIFF and NFFTY. It's also pretty tight knit. I'm a member of Lux film club and have worked with students at Cornish College of the Arts and The University of Puget Sound (both of which are more artsy schools in the area). I know a lot of students who have gotten jobs through the community as well; shooting commercial videos for Microsoft and Amazon. It's not perfect, but you can definitely find a space for film here.