Rick Alverson

Rick Alverson (b. 1971, Spokane, USA) is a Professor at The European Graduate School / EGS and renowned film director. His career includes five feature films, including *The Builder* (2010), *New Jerusalem* (2011), *The Comedy* (2012), *Entertainment* (2015), and *The Mountain* (2018), which won the Smithers Foundation Award at the Venice Film Festival. His work explores existential themes, societal constraints, and cinematic conventions. Alverson also collaborates in music, releasing albums with bands like *Spokane* and artists such as Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy.

• Affiliations: European Graduate School / EGS (Professor).
• Awards: Smithers Foundation Award (2018), Locarno Junior Jury Award (2015), Sundance Grand Jury nomination (2012).
• Key Films: *The Mountain* (2018), *Entertainment* (2015), *The Comedy* (2012).

His films critique utopian narratives in media, emphasizing limitations and societal critiques. Alverson’s stylistic choices include slow pacing and formal experimentation to engage viewers critically. He has also directed music videos and contributed to art-world drama series like *The Sixth Year* (2013).