James Spione

James Spione is a Lecturer in the Film program within the School of Film and Media Studies at State University of New York at Purchase. An Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-nominated independent filmmaker, he has directed and produced impactful documentaries broadcast globally and distributed on platforms including Netflix, Amazon, and PBS. His work centers on social justice, national security, indigenous rights, and cultural preservation.

• BFA, Purchase College, SUNY

Spione's research and creative practice focus on documentary storytelling, ethnographic filmmaking, and digital production. His films explore the human dimensions of political conflict, environmental struggle, and cultural identity. He has directed award-winning documentaries such as Incident in New Baghdad, Silenced, and Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock, the latter co-produced with Josh Fox and indigenous filmmakers. His longitudinal ethnographic series Our Island Home documents the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s unique coastal culture.

His honors include an Oscar nomination, an Emmy nomination, a Student Academy Award, and multiple festival awards from Tribeca, Boulder, Houston, and Tallgrass. His film Prelude received national recognition and was restored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

• Academy Award Nominee – Best Documentary Short Subject (2012)
• Emmy Award Nominee – News & Documentary (2016)
• Student Academy Award
• Cine Golden Eagle
• Chicago Merit Award
• Multiple Best of Category Festival Awards

As an educator, Spione mentors emerging filmmakers through courses in documentary production, editing, and senior film seminars. He continues active creative work, with a documentary on photojournalist John Shearer set for premiere in 2025.

James Spione’s work bridges artistic excellence and civic engagement, contributing significantly to public discourse through film. His projects often involve collaboration with communities and advocacy groups, reinforcing a commitment to ethical storytelling and media as a tool for change.