Anna Grimshaw is a Professor of Visual Anthropology at Emory University's Department of Anthropology. Her career spans academic and public scholarship, including collaborations with C.L.R. James and experimental ethnographic filmmaking. She holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge (1984) and trained as a documentary filmmaker at the National Film and Television School (1991-92). Her research focuses on ethnographic cinema, experimental ethnography, and the intersection of art and anthropology. Notable works include films like Mr Coperthwaite (2013) and At Low Tide (2016), exploring themes of handmade life and cultural practices. She co-authored Observational Cinema (2009) and edited volumes on C.L.R. James and visual anthropology. Grimshaw’s teaching includes courses on visual culture, ethnographic filmmaking, and experimental methods. She has held previous positions at the Graduate Institute of the Liberal Arts (Emory) and the University of Manchester. Her work emphasizes critical perspectives on anthropological conventions and innovative visual practices.
Prof. Thomas Arslan is a filmmaker and screenwriter serving as a Professor for Narrative Film at the Institute for Time-Based Media of the Berlin University of the Arts since 2007. His work bridges narrative cinema and documentary practices, often exploring themes of migration, urban life, and cultural identity. Research Interests include: Narrative Film German-Turkish Cultural Contexts Social Realism in Cinema Documentary Storytelling Independent Film Production Historical Memory in Visual Media Filmography Trends : Spanning 1993–2013, his works focus on marginalized communities, historical displacement, and personal/family dynamics within urban settings. Selected subfields include German-Turkish Cinema , Social Observation , and Migration Narratives . Affiliation : Institute for Time-Based Media at UdK Berlin.
Tom Boellstorff is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine. He holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University (2000). His research focuses on digital anthropology, virtual worlds, queer theory, and the intersection of technology with cultural practices. Boellstorff is known for pioneering ethnographic studies in virtual environments like Second Life and has explored topics such as Indonesian LGBTQ+ communities, disability in digital spaces, and the cultural history of early video games like Intellivision. His work spans theoretical frameworks for understanding digital cultures, methodological innovations in virtual ethnography, and critical analyses of technology’s role in shaping identity, politics, and social structures. Boellstorff’s interdisciplinary approach integrates cultural theory, media studies, and queer studies to examine how digital platforms mediate human experience. Recent publications emphasize the anthropology of emerging technologies (e.g., metaverse studies), historical analyses of video game platforms, and the sociopolitical implications of digital exclusion. His documentary work, including Virtual Cultures in Pandemic Times , extends his ethnographic focus into visual media.
Matthew Gandy is a Professor of Cultural and Historical Geography at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of King’s College. He holds affiliations with the Infrastructural Geographies and Vital Geographies research groups. His work spans urban metabolism, epidemiology, critical landscape studies, and cinematic methodologies. Gandy earned a BA (First Class) from St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge, and a PhD in Geography from the London School of Economics. His research explores intersections of nature, culture, and infrastructure in cities like Mumbai, Berlin, and Lagos. Notable contributions include The Fabric of Space (2014) and Natura Urbana (2022), award-winning works analyzing urban water systems, biodiversity, and ecological constellations. He has held visiting roles at institutions including Columbia University and UCLA, and founded the UCL Urban Laboratory (2005–2011). Key honors include the AAG Meridian Award (2014), British Academy Fellowship (2016), and John Brinckerhoff Jackson Prize (2023). Gandy’s films, such as Liquid City (2007) and Natura Urbana (2017), blend documentary techniques with academic research. He is actively involved in urban biodiversity initiatives, including Hackney Biodiversity Partnership. Teaching focuses on global urbanism, cultural landscapes, and the Anthropocene. Editorial roles include co-editing The International Journal of Urban and Regional Research (2012–2018). His work addresses urban political ecologies, multispecies urbanism, and the socio-cultural dimensions of urban environments.
Trond Waage is a Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at UiT The Arctic University of Norway , specializing in Visual Anthropology . His research focuses on migration patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Mali, while also exploring the intersection of visual methods with ethnographic research. Active in collaborative visual research with African communities Member of the War and Peace Dynamics research group Co-founder of the Sahel on Sahel research initiative Research Interests include: Migrant integration in urban African contexts Conflict dynamics in the Sahel region Participatory visual methods for ethnographic knowledge production His recent work has examined Boko Haram's impact on youth communities and the role of collaborative filmmaking in documenting post-conflict resilience. Professor Waage frequently collaborates with researchers across institutions in Norway and Africa to explore cultural translation and visual epistemology. He serves as: Editorial contributor to the Journal of Anthropological Films Supervisor in Master of Philosophy in Visual Anthropology program Co-developer of Visual Anthropology curricula in Niger
Ryszard Lenczewski is a distinguished Professor of Film Art at The Leon Schiller National Higher School of Film, Television and Theatre in Łódź, where he has served as a lecturer at the Cinematography Department since his graduation in 1974. He held the position of Vice-Dean from 2008 to 2014 and has been instrumental in shaping generations of Polish cinematographers. As a member of prestigious film organizations including the Society of Cinematographers (PSC), the European Film Academy (EFA), the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), and the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Lenczewski has established himself as a significant figure in international cinema. Lenczewski's research and creative interests span cinematography, film art, documentary filmmaking, visual storytelling, and camera techniques. His extensive filmography demonstrates mastery across feature films, documentaries, and television productions, with notable works including the Oscar-winning film "Ida" (2013) where he served as cinematographer. His approach combines technical precision with profound artistic expression, emphasizing visual narrative and emotional depth through innovative camera work and lighting techniques. Throughout his career, Lenczewski has supervised numerous student films, guiding emerging talent in cinematography techniques and visual storytelling. His pedagogical approach emphasizes hands-on experience and creative experimentation, reflected in the diverse range of student projects he has mentored from 2013 through 2025. 2013 Decoration Silver Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis 2015 Golden Camera 300 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Manaki Brothers Film Festival 2018 Gold Medal "Gloria Artis - For Merit to Culture" 2019 "Golden Glan" award from Charlie cinema in Łódź 2020 Society of Cinematographers (PSC) Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 Polish Filmmakers Association Award 2024 Silver Cross of Merit Lenczewski's creative output reveals a consistent exploration of visual narrative techniques, with recent student projects focusing on experimental cinematography, sensory film experiences, and innovative approaches to time, space, and emotion in visual storytelling. His work demonstrates mastery across documentary, feature film, and educational contexts, establishing him as a versatile and influential figure in contemporary cinematography.
Tijana Rakic is Associate Professor of International Tourism and Hospitality Management at De Montfort University, affiliated with the School of Humanities and Performing Arts. She leads the Tourism and Hospitality subject area and the BA (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management program. Her research expertise spans visual research methods, heritage and identity in tourism, art and tourism, visual cultures of leisure and events, and sustainability in tourism. She employs creative methodologies including visual ethnography, narrative analysis, and multimodal research. Her recent scholarly output reflects a strong trend toward interdisciplinary and visually oriented research in tourism, with a focus on representation, identity, and methodological innovation. She has contributed significantly to advancing visual methods in tourism and leisure studies through edited volumes, journal special issues, and multimedia outputs. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Tijana Rakic is an experienced PhD supervisor and welcomes research students in her areas of expertise. She chairs the Geographies of Tourism and Leisure Research Group at the Royal Geographical Society and serves as co-editor of the Routledge book series 'Current Developments in the Geographies of Leisure and Tourism'. She is also a member of the editorial boards of Tourist Studies , Tourism Geographies , International Journal of Tourism Cities , Finnish Journal of Tourism Research , and Consumer Behaviour in Tourism and Hospitality . Her creative research outputs include co-produced documentaries and a co-curated exhibition, highlighting her commitment to public engagement and knowledge dissemination beyond traditional academic formats.
Danielle Beverly is an independent filmmaker and Core Faculty member in the MFA in Documentary Media Program at Northwestern University's School of Communication, Department of Radio/Television/Film. She works as a one-person crew for observational documentaries, with notable works including Qatar Stars (2023), Dusty Groove: The Sound of Transition (2019), and Old South (2015). Field producer for the longitudinal documentary REBIRTH Recipient of NYSCA, Doha Film Institute, and University Film & Video Foundation support Experienced in international industry incubators including Qumra and DOC NYC Her research explores: Gendered social transitions through longitudinal ethnographic filmmaking Material culture preservation in urban environments Creative nonfiction storytelling in cross-cultural contexts Community-engaged distribution models for documentaries Social justice themes in media ethics Interdisciplinary approaches to documentary media Documentary works have premiered at: San Francisco Documentary Film Festival Permanent exhibition at National September 11 Memorial & Museum Al Jazeera Witness international broadcast Key funders and collaborators include: New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA) Buffett Center for Global Affairs Chicago Cultural and Tourism Fund Center for Peacemaking Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media Diederich College Initiative on Communication Ethics Teaching focuses on: Documentary media production Women in documentary filmmaking One-person crew techniques Music documentary creation Thesis-level documentary projects
Dr. Erin Moriarty is a Professor and Program Director for the Graduate Program in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. She holds an honorary research fellowship at Heriot-Watt University, following a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Annelies Kusters. Her work focuses on linguistic ethnography, translanguaging, deaf mobilities, and the interplay between morality and language. She has led projects such as 'MobileDeaf: Deaf mobilities across international borders' (2017-2023) and studies deaf tourism in Bali. Her research integrates sociolinguistics, anthropology, and mobility studies to explore how deaf individuals navigate global networks, cultural boundaries, and language ideologies. She critiques rigid classifications of deaf communities and emphasizes the fluidity of linguistic practices in transnational contexts. Her projects often involve visual ethnography, such as filmmaking to document deaf tourist experiences. Moriarty’s articles highlight themes like sign language documentation in post-conflict areas, moral orientations in mobile signers, and the politics of translanguaging. She advocates for inclusive educational approaches that respect deaf students’ bilingual needs. Her work bridges academic research with practical implications for deaf communities worldwide. Key Projects: MobileDeaf (2017-2023), Deaf Tourism in Bali Affiliations: Gallaudet University (Primary), Heriot-Watt University (Honorary) Expertise: Deaf mobilities, linguistic ethnography, sign language ideologies
Anja Kretschmer is a Lecturer at the Institute of Journalism and Communication Studies, Department of Political and Social Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin. She holds teaching responsibilities with a focus on practical journalism skills and has established herself as both an educator and professional journalist. Education: M.A. in German Studies, Philosophy, and Journalism, Freie Universität Berlin (1988) Professional Background: Founded Berliner Journalistenbüros (1989), completed editorial traineeship at SFB (1990/91) Current Position: Lecturer with permanent teaching tasks at FU Berlin Office: Garystr. 55, Room 273, 14195 Berlin Consultation Hours: Wednesdays by appointment via email Her research and professional interests center on journalism practices, media representation of social issues, documentary production, and the intersection of media with social policy. Kretschmer's work particularly examines family dynamics, migration issues, gender representation, and social inequality through documentary filmmaking and journalistic reporting. Her teaching emphasizes the practical application of journalism in contemporary media environments, focusing on television, radio, and digital production techniques. Her documentary work shows a consistent focus on social issues, with particular attention to family structures, social inequality, and the human impact of policy decisions. Over her career, she has produced numerous award-winning documentaries for major German broadcasters including ARD, ZDF, and rbb, covering topics ranging from patchwork families to elder care in international contexts. 1999: 1. Medienpreis der Ideal-Versicherung für die Reportage "Anonym bestatten", SFB 2002: Geisendörfer-Preis für die Dokumentation "Lehrer - ungeliebt und ausgelaugt?" SFB 2003: Journalistenstipendium der Rias-Kommission, Duke Universität, USA 2015: Karl Kübel Medienpreis für die Reportage "Meine, deine, unsere Kinder – Herausforderung Patchwork-Familie", ZDF 2018: Medienpreis der Deutschen Kinder- und Jugendhilfe für den Film "Krieg um's Kind - Wenn Eltern Betreuung brauchen", WDR "Menschen hautnah" As an educator, Kretschmer has taught various iterations of "Methods and Structures of Journalistic Practice" and specialized seminars in television, radio, and podcast production. She is actively involved in research projects related to media representation of migration, gender issues in journalism, and emotional repertoires in media, collaborating with colleagues at the Institute on various research initiatives examining contemporary media landscapes.
Robert Lemelson is an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Research Anthropologist at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience. He holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago (1987) and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from UCLA (1999). His work focuses on transcultural psychiatry, psychological anthropology, and ethnographic filmmaking in Indonesia, particularly Bali and Java. Lemelson has produced over a dozen award-winning documentaries exploring mental illness, trauma, and cultural practices, including 40 Years of Silence: An Indonesian Tragedy and the Afflictions series. He founded Elemental Productions (2007) and serves as President of the Foundation for Psychocultural Research since 1999, promoting interdisciplinary research in neuroscience and social sciences. His research investigates the intersections of culture, history, and mental health, with a focus on topics like structural violence, gender-based violence, and the efficacy of traditional healing systems. He has conducted fieldwork in Indonesia since 1997, producing longitudinal studies on neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, PTSD, and OCD through both academic and cinematic mediums. Lemelson’s work bridges anthropological theory with applied filmmaking, emphasizing ethical representation and participatory methodologies. Award highlights include the Distinguished Teaching Award (2003) and numerous film accolades like the Silver Screen Award (2010) and Best Asian Documentary (2013). His films have screened globally at festivals such as the Berlin International Film Festival and the Taiwan International Ethnographic Film Festival. Lemelson continues to explore innovative ways to document and analyze cultural dimensions of mental health through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Kelly Sutherland is a Professor of Biology at the University of Oregon , affiliated with both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) in Charleston. She holds a Ph.D. from MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2009), an M.S. from the University of South Alabama (2004), and a B.S. from Tufts University (1999). Her research bridges biology and physics, focusing on biomechanics and fluid-environment interactions in marine organisms, particularly gelatinous zooplankton. Education: B.S., Tufts University (1999) M.S., University of South Alabama (2004) Ph.D., MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2009) Sutherland’s lab investigates ecological and evolutionary roles of gelatinous plankton, which are understudied yet critical to marine food webs. Her work emphasizes predator-prey dynamics , multi-jet propulsion , and microbial-grazing interactions , employing in situ video, kinematic analysis, and flow visualization. Recent studies explore colonial salp swimming efficiency, appendicularian particle selection, and ctenophore ecological impacts in open oceanic ecosystems. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight Salp colonial architecture , multi-jet propulsion , microbial prey dynamics , particle surface properties , and hydrodynamic advantages in pelagic organisms . Collaborative themes span biomechanics , ecosystem impacts , and evolutionary adaptations . Advising & Outreach: Dr. Sutherland mentors undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students at both the Eugene campus and OIMB, with lab opportunities in lab/field studies and summer research. She encourages external funding applications and collaborates with environmental studies programs. Outreach includes partnerships with journalists, filmmakers, and artists to communicate science to broader audiences.
Scott Curtis is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University's School of Communication, specializing in the Radio/Television/Film department. He divides his time between the Evanston, Illinois campus and Northwestern University in Qatar, contributing to both academic environments through research and teaching. Research Focus: History of early cinema, animation applications in science/medicine, visual epistemology Key Contributions: Founded Block Cinema, led Domitor society, directed NUQ Communication Program His scholarly work examines how scientific communities have historically utilized film for research, training, and public outreach , particularly during cinema's formative years in Germany. His book The Shape of Spectatorship (2015) provides foundational insights into the intersection of scientific observation and cinematic technology. Academic Contributions: 2024: Explored film image tracing in scientific research 2023: Defined 'useful animation' historiography 2021: Analyzed scientific applications of animation 2018: Investigated abstract-empirical relationships in scientific film 2015: Bridged science/art visualization through dialogue with biologist Robert Lue Scientific Awards: Fulbright U.S. Scholar Grant (2013) Visiting Fellow at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (2011) Northwestern's Faculty Honor Roll (2006-2009) Leadership Roles: Founder of Block Cinema Former co-chair, Chicago Film Seminar Ex-President of Domitor (international early cinema society) Ex-Director, NUQ Communication Program in Qatar
Andrzej Musiał is a distinguished cinematographer and lecturer at the Cinematography and Television Production Department of the National Film School in Łódź. With a career spanning over three decades since his graduation in 1988, he has established himself as a significant figure in Polish film education and production. His work encompasses feature films, documentaries, television productions, and extensive supervision of student projects. Musiał's research and professional interests focus on cinematography techniques, visual storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and film education methodologies. His expertise spans both theoretical aspects of cinematography and practical applications in diverse film formats, from student etudes to professional feature films. His work demonstrates a particular strength in documentary production and visual narrative construction. Analysis of his recent works (2021-2025) reveals a consistent focus on educational film production, with numerous student projects under his supervision. His professional work shows expertise across multiple genres, from documentaries to television productions, with particular recognition for his cinematography work on theatrical adaptations like KRÓL EDYP (Oedipus the King). Grand Prix at Zamość Festival of Polish Radio Theater and Polish Television Theater (2022) for KRÓL EDYP Honorary Distinction at The Archeology Channel International and Video Festival (2015) for ABU HARAZ Throughout his career, Musiał has supervised hundreds of student film projects, demonstrating his commitment to film education. His professional filmography includes numerous documentaries, feature films, and television productions where he served as cinematographer, screenplay writer, or artistic supervisor. His work with the 'ERRATA DO BIOGRAFII' documentary series and 'ŚWIAT OD ŚWITU DO ZMIERZCHU' series demonstrates his engagement with biographical and cultural documentary filmmaking.
Johan F. Hoorn is an Interfaculty Full Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, jointly affiliated with the School of Design and the Department of Computing. He is also the Associate Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research and Research Institute for Quantum Technology. PhD in General Literature and Computer Science Recipient of multiple national and international awards Active in RGC Theme-based Research Scheme (2025-2029) Research interests span social robotics, affective computing, quantum cognition, and the observer effect. His work focuses on integrating AI with human psychology to address mental health challenges and enhance creativity. Recent articles highlight trends in human-robot empathy, quantum probability applications, and AI-assisted artistic innovation. Key subfields include emotional bonding, media inequality, real-time cinematic design, and moral reasoning in robots. Scientific awards include the Huibregtsen Prize (2020), Eureka Award (2015), and Pilot Science Appreciated Award (2021). He was also recognized with a Burgen Scholarship (2001) and Lorentz Fellowship (2010-2011). He leads projects like Negative-mood reduction among HK youth with robot PAL (HK$3M grant) and SELEMCA (M€4.6 grant). His work has been exhibited at leading museums, including the Victoria & Albert Museum (2024).
