Yuri Makino

Yuri Makino serves as Associate Professor and interim Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Arizona's School of Theatre, Film & Television, where she has been faculty since 1998. She holds a BA from UC Santa Barbara and MFA from New York University.

Education:

• BA in Film Studies and German Studies (Highest Honors), University of California, Santa Barbara, 1990
• MFA in Film, New York University, 1996

Research Interests: Ms. Makino's work centers on documentary filmmaking addressing critical social issues through community-focused narratives. Her research explores healthcare systems reform, the psychological and developmental role of human play, and geographical notions of home/identity in the American West. Projects like "America's Health" and "Rough & Tumble: Taking Play Seriously" demonstrate her commitment to humanizing systemic challenges through cinematic storytelling.

Publication Trends: Her filmography reveals consistent exploration of social justice themes through award-winning documentaries. Early works like "Alma" (2007) examined immigrant identity, while "111 Degrees Longitude" (2009) investigated geographical belonging. Current projects continue this trajectory with "America's Health" analyzing community-based healthcare solutions, reflecting her evolution toward systemic problem-solving through film.

Scientific Awards:

• Ledo Matteoli Award for Best Immigrant Story (Humboldt Film Festival, 2007)
• Three awards at Baltimore Women's Film Festival (2008): Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Local Filmmaker
• Best Director Award (Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival)
• Best Narrative (University Film and Video Association conference, 2007)
• Accolade Award for Excellence (2007)
• Production grants: AIR Resilience Grant, UA RII Grant, CFA Small Grant, Udall Fellowship
• Development grants: Hanson Film Institute grant, Arizona Commission on the Arts Artist Project Grant

Grants and Collaborations: Ms. Makino has secured substantial funding including the Udall Fellowship for "America's Health" and UA Confluence Center grants for "Rough & Tumble". She maintains active creative partnerships with filmmakers Christine Ryan Harland (co-director on healthcare documentary) and Cindy Stillwell (collaborator on "111 Degrees Longitude"), demonstrating her commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork.