Hilary Smith

Hilary Smith is a teaching-focused Lecturer in Film Studies within the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication at Birkbeck, University of London. Recognized for exceptional pedagogy, she received Birkbeck's Distinguished Teaching and Scholarship Award and the student-nominated Birkbeck Students’ Union Award for Best Lecturer.

Education:

• BA in Fine Art from the University of Reading
• Diploma in Film and Media Studies from Birkbeck, University of London
• MA in Film and Television Studies from the University of Westminster
• Certificate in Further Education Teaching from City Lit, London

Research and Teaching Interests: Leveraging her extensive film curation background, Smith specializes in comprehensive cinematic analysis spanning national cinemas (American, British, French, German, Italian, Spanish), historical periods (British cinema of the 1980s, Hollywood of the 1970s), film genres/movements (film noir, French New Wave, Italian Neorealism), and thematic explorations including women's contributions to cinema, London's cinematic representation, and propaganda in film. Her approach integrates historical context with theoretical frameworks to deepen student engagement with cinematic art.

Scientific Awards:

• Distinguished Teaching and Scholarship Award (Birkbeck, for outstanding contribution to teaching and learning)
• Birkbeck Students’ Union Award for Best Lecturer (student-nominated)

Advising and Administrative Roles: Smith serves as Deputy Director for BA Film and Media, BA Film and Media Practice, and BA Film with Screenwriting programs, while coordinating Final Projects across Film, Media, and Journalism disciplines. As Admissions Tutor and Personal Tutor, she provides academic guidance and supervises undergraduate Final Projects for BA Film and Media, BA Digital Culture and Media, BA Journalism and Media, and BA Media and Culture programs, emphasizing practical application of film theory.