Peter Nickowitz

Peter Nickowitz is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Film Studies at Barnard College, part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD in English and American Literature from New York University and a BA in English and French Literature from Brandeis University, earned summa cum laude.

His research and creative interests span film studies, screenwriting, American literature, poetry, and LGBTQ+ narratives. His interdisciplinary work bridges literary criticism and cinematic storytelling, with a focus on identity, sexuality, and narrative innovation. He has made significant contributions through both scholarly publications and award-winning films.

The recent works of Peter Nickowitz reflect a strong engagement with psychological depth, queer identity, and emotional realism in both film and literature. His creative output trends toward character-driven narratives that explore complex personal and social dynamics, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities and contemporary American life.

Scientific Awards:

• Best Dramatic Short Film Award, US International Independent Film and Video Festival
• Short Film Award, Long Island Film Festival
• Best First Feature, Trieste Science+Fiction Festival

Peter Nickowitz has received grant support from the Jerome Foundation for his short film The Debutantes. While no formal advising roles or graduate students are listed, his position as a lecturer involves teaching and mentoring students in film and literature. He also held the Harold Clurman Playwright-in-Residence position and directed the Playwrights Division at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting from 2009–2012.

He has been affiliated with prominent theaters such as The Lark, Dixon Place, The Cherry Lane, and The Blank Theater, contributing to the development of new plays in New York and Los Angeles. His creative and academic work is deeply embedded in the intersection of theater, film, and literary scholarship.