My work explores the intersections of phenomenology and cinematic realism, investigating how traditional film theory informs our engagement with emerging media. I am dedicated to a practice that upholds the rigor of individual authorship while prioritizing emotional resonance and narrative truth.

My ongoing research into cinematic realism and digital ethics provides a contemporary lens through which to engage the next generation of filmmakers and scholars. I am currently open to inquiries regarding faculty positions, visiting professorships, and guest lecturing opportunities.

Academic Background and Practice-Based Research

I hold a Ph.D. in Communication and Film and have over a decade of experience as a researcher and educator. My work is defined by a scholar-practitioner approach, where theoretical inquiry is directly informed by creative experimentation.

I conducted my doctoral research on Siegfried Kracauer’s realist film theory, which I explored through the Life-world Series—an ongoing omnibus of short films investigating the contemplative potential of everyday life. This project expands Kracauerian cinematic realism (KCR) by incorporating phenomenological insights from Husserl to explore the expansive, cyclical, and meaning-laden characteristics of experience. From early works like Study 1: Hong Kong (2016) to recent entries such as Study 26: Animal Life (2025), this series serves as a meditative interrogation of the life-world across both analog and synthetic contexts.

Theoretical Contributions: AI Cinematic Realism

My research establishes the concept of AI Cinematic Realism as a framework for evaluating emerging media not by traditional photographic realism, but by cinematic truth. Drawing on the lineage of theorists like André Bazin and Siegfried Kracauer, I position algorithms as legitimate collaborators in the creative process. My work challenges the “demo culture” of synthetic video, promoting the idea that creators must engage as intentional moral agents focused on narrative depth and ethical responsibility.

Key Publications and Frameworks

• AI Cinematic Realism (2026): Establishing a theoretical framework that preserves the legacy of cinematic truth within the evolving landscape of synthetic media.
• AEIOU Ethos: A Framework for Responsible AI (2025): A foundational framework for responsible AI implementation that prioritizes human-centered ethics and inclusive authorship.
• “Cinematic Contemplation Online: The Art and Philosophy of Life-world Series” (2020): Investigating the digital humanities through the lens of phenomenological film practice.

Pedagogical Framework

My approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that a student’s technical proficiency is only as valuable as the ethical and philosophical foundation upon which it is built. In an era where media production tools are shifting rapidly, I focus on three core pillars:

• Phenomenological Engagement: Drawing from my research into the life-world, I encourage students to observe the quotidian and transient elements of everyday life to capture human truth.
• Critical Media Literacy: By grounding students in the works of theorists like Kracauer and Bazin, I provide the historical context necessary to navigate modern challenges with intellectual depth.
• Inclusive Pedagogy and Digital Equity: My background in educational technology and community advocacy ensures that the filmmaking classroom is an accessible and equitable space.

Impact and Philosophy

By bridging the gap between historical film philosophy and emerging media, I provide students with a holistic understanding of how moving images create meaning across all formats—from the traditional lens to the synthetic screen.

I am committed to fostering a collaborative laboratory where students feel empowered to experiment and discover their unique voice. My goal is to equip the next generation of creators with the tools they need to lead responsibly as both artists and scholars in a rapidly changing industry.