Kyle Hufford

Kyle Hufford serves as Professor of Communication at Goshen College, where he leverages documentary filmmaking as a pedagogical tool for community engagement. His work consistently bridges classroom learning with real-world storytelling through faculty-student collaborations on socially relevant projects across Indiana and international locations including Kenya.

• MFA in Film Production, Asbury University (2024)
• M.A. in Digital Storytelling, Ball State University (2009)
• B.S in Communications, Indiana Wesleyan University (2002)

Hufford’s research centers on documentary filmmaking as a vehicle for social change, with particular focus on mental health advocacy, immigration narratives, and historical reconciliation. His approach emphasizes community-engaged learning where students participate in all production phases—from pre-production research to international fieldwork—developing both technical skills and cultural competence. Projects frequently address underrepresented histories while fostering dialogue around contemporary social issues through visual storytelling.

Analysis of his filmography reveals a consistent trajectory toward locally rooted yet globally resonant narratives. Early works focused on religious and cultural heritage, evolving toward urgent contemporary issues like mental health infrastructure gaps (Cora Dale) and immigrant community experiences (Goshen’s Golden Cage). His methodology blends historical documentation with participatory filmmaking, creating what he terms ‘cinematic community archives’ that serve both academic and public audiences.

• Multiple Telly Awards including Gold for Documentary Film and Directing
• NATAS Regional Emmy Award and nominations
• International film festival selections across 15 festivals
• BEA Media Arts Festival Awards of Excellence
• Faculty development grants supporting cinematic training

Hufford directs the Goshen College Maple Scholars program for documentary production, securing external funding for student projects through partnerships with World Renew and Foods Resource Bank. His grants consistently support international travel components, enabling immersive learning experiences in Kenya and Greece. He mentors students through FiveCore Media—a faculty-student production collective—where they develop professional portfolios while addressing community needs through visual storytelling.

His work operates through collaborative frameworks with local institutions including the Goshen Chamber of Commerce and Wawasee High School Pathways program, creating pipelines for student engagement beyond campus. The FiveCore Media initiative serves as his primary production vehicle, facilitating partnerships with community organizations on documentary projects that blend academic rigor with public impact.