Mary Posatko

Mary Posatko is an Associate Professor and MFA Graduate Advisor in the Department of Television, Film, and New Media at San Diego State University (SDSU), part of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. She is an award-winning filmmaker with a focus on documentaries addressing social, cultural, and historical themes.

Education: BA in History from Brown University (199X), MFA in Cinematic Arts from the University of Southern California (200X).

Research interests include documentary filmmaking, narrative non-fiction, and exploring intersections between personal history, societal issues, and cultural identity. Her films have screened globally at festivals like IDFA, SXSW, and CPH:DOX, with recent works like In A Wintry Season (2024) examining modern faith and All Fall Down (2014) addressing racial justice in Baltimore.

Notable awards include the IDA Pare Lorentz Award. Supported by grants from the San Diego State University Research Foundation, Chicken & Egg, and the San Francisco Film Society. Active in professional development, she has participated in IFP Spotlight, Good Pitch, and Chicken & Egg Labs.

Advising and mentorship form a core part of her academic role, guiding MFA students in the Television, Film, and New Media program. Current projects include The Wandering Lepidoptera (in production).