Pete Porter

Dr. Pete Porter is a Professor of Film at Eastern Washington University, affiliated with the Department of Fine and Performing Arts within the College of Arts, Letters, and Education. His expertise spans film and media studies, human-animal studies, and film festival analysis. He holds leadership roles as Film Review Editor for Society & Animals and President of the Contemporary Arts Alliance, overseeing the Spokane International Film Festival. Recent academic activities include a Visiting Research Fellowship at the University of Groningen (2022–2023) and serving as inaugural Chair of Fine and Performing Arts (2021) and Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Education (2018–2021).

His research focuses on nonhuman animal representation in media, cognitive-analytical film theory, and Menippean satire. Key projects include his upcoming book From Marching Penguins to Octopus Teachers, advocating for ethical and aesthetic frameworks that transcend anthropocentrism. His work bridges film studies with environmental and ethical discourse, emphasizing sustainability and interspecies equity.

Publications span academic journals like Society & Animals and The Michigan Academician, alongside invited chapters in volumes such as Lebowski 101. His presentation Against Anthropocentrism: The Menippean Animal won the Best Presentation award at the Minding Animals 4 Conference. Current research explores animals in satire and film's role in reimagining human-nonhuman relations.

Professional service includes editorial work, festival curation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His advocacy spans academic leadership, public scholarship, and applied research to advance equitable human-animal coexistence.