Celluloid, Creativity, and Finding Balance: Professor Jacob Dodd on Bridging Film and Community
Aurora Airwaves • Episode 26
Join Jordan Bianchi as he reconnects with his former film professor, Jacob A. Dodd—an independent filmmaker, author, and Associate Professor of Cinema and Screen Studies at Oswego State University of New York.
Jacob’s work is a celebration of analog film, specializing in memoir documentary and fiction filmmaking on celluloid. With an MFA in Photography and Film from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA in Film, Photography, and Visual Arts from Ithaca College, Jacob brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his craft.
In this episode, they dive into Jake's film projects, his unique approach to teaching, and his ongoing process of balancing personal creative work with his role in the classroom. They discuss the difficulties of managing large, unfinished projects and navigating the discomfort that comes with creative blockages. Jake shares his insights into crafting a career that aligns with his values and passions, and his dedication to fostering a love for film in his students. He also highlights his commitment to community-based projects in the Oswego area, including a special class project for his “Children’s Literature and Film” course at Fort Ontario.
As the author of 16mm and 8mm Filmmaking: An Essential Guide to Shooting on Celluloid, Jake is committed to preserving the art and technique of traditional film formats.
His short films have been screened at both national and international festivals, including the Lahore International Children’s Film Festival, Thomas Edison Film Festival, Virginia Film Festival, Athens International Film + Video Festival, Big Muddy Film Festival, and the James River Film Festival.
