Will Zavala

Will Zavala is a Lecturer in the Film and Media Studies Program at the Dietrich School, University of Pittsburgh, where he has taught since 2018 after serving on faculty at Pittsburgh Filmmakers School (2005-2018). As a documentary filmmaker, his work screens internationally, broadcasts regionally, and serves educational curricula.

Education:

• BA in Psychology, UC Santa Cruz
• MA in Communication, Stanford University (1998)

Zavala specializes in documentary film production with research interests spanning cinematic storytelling, media pedagogy, and community film engagement. He founded the Documentary Salon film society in 2006, conducting monthly screenings to foster critical dialogue around nonfiction cinema. His creative practice bridges academic theory with hands-on filmmaking techniques.

Awards:

• Student Emmy Award for 'Drawbridge' (1998)

Zavala maintains active community engagement through the Documentary Salon while contributing to film education at Pitt. His work demonstrates sustained impact across festival circuits, broadcast media, and academic settings without formal grant disclosures in available records.