Paul Harrill

Paul Harrill is a Professor and the Dee & Jimmy Haslam Chair in Cinema Studies at the University of Tennessee, serving as Co-Chair of the Cinema Studies program. He holds an MFA from Temple University and teaches filmmaking. His work bridges experimental and narrative forms, emphasizing regional storytelling and DIY cinema principles.

Research focuses on independent filmmaking methodologies, with notable projects including the feature *Light From Light* (2019), starring Marin Ireland, and award-winning shorts like *Gina, An Actress, Age 29* (Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner). His films screen globally at Sundance, MoMA, and PBS.

Awards include Sundance Institute support, MacDowell Colony residencies, and grants from Yaddo and the Aperture Foundation. He co-founded the selfreliantfilm.com initiative, evolving into a production company supporting regional filmmakers like Thomas Southerland and Cameron Bruce Nelson.

Education background: MFA, Temple University (Art).