John Bennett

John Bennett is a Lecturer and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Communication Arts at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He specializes in Film Studies with a focus on French, Francophone, and North African cinema. His research examines transnational aspects of the Algerian film industry and postcolonial cultural diplomacy.

Education:

• B.A. in Film Studies (Minors in English and French), Muhlenberg College, 2015
• M.A. in Film Studies, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 2019

Research Interests: Bennett explores how postcolonial governments integrate national cinema into global contexts. His work analyzes international co-productions, film festival programming, and cinephile culture. Key topics include Algerian film history, transnational collaborations, and the political dimensions of cultural exchange.

Recent Work: His forthcoming chapter in The Oxford Handbook of Screen Comedy (2024) investigates narrative structures in French comédie communautaire.

Awards:

• Helen K. Herman Award (2021)
• Kepley Dissertation Award (2023)
• Chateaubriand Fellowship (2024)

Teaching & Grants: Bennett has taught courses on film comedy, media production, and adaptation. He has received grants for fieldwork and research, including the IRIS Summer Award and the Baxter Research Award. His work bridges academic scholarship with practical film analysis.