Peter Lester

Peter Lester is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film at Brock University. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Concordia University, an MA in Canadian Studies from Carleton University, and a BA in History from the University of Guelph. His research focuses on Canadian film history, early Hollywood studies, and the role of film publicity, with particular emphasis on press agents and institutional memory in cinema. He teaches courses on Canadian cinema, documentary media, and film history.

Lester's work bridges historical analysis with contemporary debates around film exhibition and copyright, including studies on how digital platforms have transformed screening practices during the pandemic. His research also explores transnational co-productions' impact on national cinematic identities and the evolution of Hollywood's promotional strategies in the early 20th century.

His publications appear in leading journals like Canadian Journal of Film Studies and Journal of Cinema & Media Studies, with a focus on uncovering overlooked aspects of film history, such as the role of press agents in shaping public perception of early Hollywood. His teaching emphasizes connecting historical film practices to current media landscapes.