Mark Freeman

Mark Freeman is a Professor in the Department of Television, Film, and New Media at San Diego State University (SDSU), within the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. With over 40 years of experience as an independent documentary filmmaker and educator, his work bridges academia and artistic practice. He holds a graduate degree from the San Francisco Art Institute.

**Education**:

• Graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute

**Research Interests**: Freeman’s work focuses on documentary filmmaking that explores marginalized communities, cultural anthropology, and social justice. His films often center on themes of identity, migration, environmental conflict, and the intersection of art and urban life. Notable projects include Weaving the Future (indigenous Ecuadorian artisans), Edmund’s Island (homelessness narratives), and Trolley Dances (public performance art).

**Awards**: His films have garnered prestigious accolades, including the Mayfield Special Jury Prize, Gold Apple, and Audience Choice Awards. Recent recognition includes a 2023 screening of The Yidishe Gauchos at a fundraiser for Yiddishland.

**Advising & Grants**: Freeman has secured funding through Fulbright Fellowships (Indonesia, South Africa) and collaborated with organizations like the American Film Showcase. His work emphasizes community partnerships, such as with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System for Trolley Dances.

**Labs/Teams**: He is affiliated with SDSU’s film and media programs, and his projects often involve cross-disciplinary collaborations with dancers, poets, and anthropologists. Archival materials are preserved in SDSU’s Special Collections.