About
Jonathan Waters is a Principal Senior Lecturer and Associate Chair in the Department of Cinema & Media Arts at Vanderbilt University's College of Arts & Science, where he also serves as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education. He is the Curator of iLens, contributing to interdisciplinary visual storytelling initiatives.
His educational background includes:
- MFA in Filmmaking, Syracuse University, specializing in Production, Cinematography, Directing, and Screenwriting
Waters is a multifaceted filmmaker and artist whose creative work spans fiction, non-fiction, and hybrid forms, utilizing film, video, and still photography. His central interest lies in films that challenge audiences to become active participants, provoking deep reflection on identity, social awareness, and issues of race, class, and ethnicity. He is committed to advancing film as a distinctive art form beyond mere entertainment, promoting innovative global filmmaking.
While no publications are listed, his teaching and curatorial work reflect a strong engagement with cinematic innovation and critical media studies.
- Scientific awards: None listed
Jonathan Waters advises on undergraduate education at the institutional level and contributes to academic leadership. He teaches core courses such as FILM 176 (Intermediate Filmmaking: The Fiction Film – Short-Form Narrative), FILM 227W (Screenwriting), and FILM 288A (Short-form Screenwriting), shaping the next generation of filmmakers. As Curator of iLens, he is involved in a collaborative, interdisciplinary lab that integrates visual narrative with scientific and humanistic inquiry, fostering creative teams across disciplines.
