Alan Jennings

Alan Jennings is an Assistant Professor in the Animation department at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), where he contributes to the academic and creative development of students in experimental and independent animation. He holds an MFA in Animation from California Institute of the Arts and a BFA from MassArt, grounding his teaching in both formal education and professional practice.

• Education: MFA, Animation, California Institute of the Arts, 2017
• Education: BFA, Animation, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 2007

His research and creative work centers on experimental animation, stop-motion, and documentary storytelling, often exploring personal narratives and human experiences through innovative visual techniques. Jennings blends hand-crafted aesthetics with digital media, as seen in his acclaimed short films like The Northeast Kingdom and The Bill Jennings Mysteries, which examine identity, memory, and familial bonds.

The trends in his filmography reveal a consistent focus on character-driven stories, psychological depth, and formal experimentation. His works frequently employ mixed media, gouache painting, and constructed sets, placing him at the intersection of fine art and cinematic animation. These films have been showcased at prestigious international festivals including Animafest Zagreb, Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film, and the London International Animation Festival.

Alan Jennings has received several recognitions for his work, including:

• Special Mention for Best Portrait, Rising of the Lusitania AnimaDoc Film Festival, 2020
• Best Student Film, The Northeast Kingdom, 2017
• Student Academy Awards Semifinalist, 2017
• Artist Fellowship Grant, Somerville Arts Council, 2009
• Multiple special mentions at international animation festivals in 2018

His creative projects have been funded by organizations such as The Somerville Arts Council, and he has collaborated with major media outlets like NPR, Comedy Central, and The School of Life. While there is no explicit mention of formal student advising, his role as a professor suggests mentorship of emerging animators. He maintains an active creative profile through his personal website and Vimeo, where he shares his evolving body of work and engages with the animation community.

Alan Jennings operates at the nexus of academia and independent art filmmaking, contributing significantly to contemporary animation through both pedagogy and practice.