Scott Boswell

Scott Boswell is an Associate Professor and Fiction Filmmaking Coordinator at the School of Cinema, San Francisco State University. He coordinates undergraduate advising and teaches film production, directing, and screenwriting. His professional background includes directing award-winning feature films and short films, including A Wake (2019) and The Stranger in Us (2010), which have screened globally and garnered festival awards. He previously led The Factory, an Oakland-based youth filmmaking collective that produced Emmy-winning films.

• Education:
  • M.F.A., Cinema, San Francisco State University
  • B.A., Communication Arts: Film and Television, University of Wisconsin-Madison

His research interests span narrative filmmaking, youth media education, and collaborative storytelling. Current projects include developing a television series and a 3D animated feature film. Boswell’s work emphasizes character-driven narratives and social themes, blending cinematic innovation with community engagement.

His films have been recognized at prestigious festivals including the Seattle International, Chicago Reeling, and San Francisco International. Beyond academia, he directs plays locally and runs a feature screenwriting group.

• Grants & Advising: Advises undergraduate students in the School of Cinema. Previously directed The Factory, a nonprofit fostering youth filmmaking through grants and partnerships.

Labs/Teams: Active in the School of Cinema’s production facilities and collaborates with local theater companies and animation studios.