James Pellerito

James Pellerito is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Film and Media at Emory University. An Italian-born filmmaker, his creative work spans documentary and narrative forms, examining cultural identity and social issues through award-winning productions.

His feature documentaries include 'Pop Star On Ice' (2009), 'American Cheerleader' (2014), and 'Anatomy of a Male Ballet Dancer' (2018), all produced with David Barba. As Co-Creator, Director, and Executive Producer, he developed the series 'Be Good Johnny Weir' (2010, 2012). His narrative short 'Maree [Tides]' (2003) qualified for the 2005 Academy Awards.

Pellerito is Co-Founder and Director of the New York City Short Film Festival (NYC Shorts), now in its twentieth year. He trained at The Neighborhood Playhouse's two-year Meisner acting program and holds an MFA in Directing & Screenwriting from Columbia University, MA in Humanities from NYU, and BA in Film Studies from Columbia.