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Renowned Filmmaker Jeff Nichols returns to UNCSA School of Filmmaking for 30th Anniversary

The School of Filmmaking at UNCSA welcomed acclaimed Filmmaking alumni Jeff Nichols (B.F.A. Directing ’01), Adam Stone (B.F.A. Cinematography ’99) and Kenneth Neil Moore (B.F.A. Cinematography ’02) to campus as part of the school’s 30th anniversary celebrations, held in conjunction with UNCSA homecoming weekend, Oct. 17-20. Nichols, known for his distinct voice in contemporary American cinema, held a special screening of “The Bikeriders” for Filmmaking students and alumni.
 

The film, which Nichols wrote and directed and that included eight other UNCSA alumni in the crew, explores themes of identity, rebellion and community, fitting seamlessly into Nichols’ broader body of work that often focuses on human relationships and the complexities of modern life. Following the screening, he was joined by Stone, the cinematographer of the film, and Moore, the second unit cinematographer for the film, for a panel discussion about their recent collaborations and their time at UNCSA moderated by founding Filmmaking Dean Sam Grogg.

In addition to the screening and panel, the filmmakers attended several events including the School of Filmmaking birthday party and the Founders’ Legacy Celebration featuring the school's founders, funders, alumni, and past and present faculty and deans including Grogg, Dale Pollock, Jordan Kerner, Susan Ruskin and current Dean Deborah LaVine.

Screening of "The Bikeriders" and alumni Q&A with Director and Writer Jeff Nichols with cinematographers Adam Stone and Niel Moore moderated by founding Dean Emeritus Sam Grogg / Photo: Jen Scheib

Screening of "The Bikeriders" and alumni Q&A with Director and Writer Jeff Nichols with Cinematographers Adam Stone and Niel Moore moderated by founding Dean Emeritus Sam Grogg / Photo: Jen Scheib

“The real gift that this school gives you is a community of people who are interested in making things — it is invaluable,” said Nichols. “I would not have been able to make my first feature film without the short films that I made at the school.”

As a writer and director, Nichols has gained recognition for his unique storytelling, often focusing on human relationships, the working class, and the tension between tradition and modernity—– with a particular focus on the American South. Nichols, Stone and Moore have worked together on numerous projects, with “The Bikeriders,” Nichols’ latest film, continuing their creative partnership. Nichols’ filmography, with Stone and Moore serving in the same roles as on “The Bikeriders,” includes critically acclaimed films such as “Take Shelter,” “Mud” and “Loving,” earning him a reputation for crafting thought-provoking narratives.

“School of the Arts definitely gave me the toolkit to go out into the professional field, but I don’t think there’s much of a difference between the school and being a professional: Look at me,” said Stone. “The camaraderie, the friends and just the alumni and people we still work with is what makes this place awesome.”

Current Dean Deborah LaVine, former deans Susan Ruskin, Jordan Kerner, Dale Pollock, Sam Grogg, and Chancellor Brian Cole / Photo: Karolina Sandecka

Current Dean Deborah LaVine, former deans Susan Ruskin, Jordan Kerner, Dale Pollock, Sam Grogg, and Chancellor Brian Cole / Photo: Karolina Sandecka

UNCSA School of Filmmaking Dean Deborah LaVine emphasized the importance of alumni like Nichols, Stone and Moore returning to campus.

“It’s inspiring for our students to see the success of our alumni working together at the highest levels of the industry,” said Dean LaVine. “Jeff, Adam and Neil’s collaboration on ‘The Bikeriders’ is a testament to the creative community fostered here at UNCSA. Their return reminds our students that their own dreams are within reach.”

For more information about the School of Filmmaking’s upcoming guest artists, visit the Filmmaking Symposium page.

Read more about the history of the School of Filmmaking at UNCSA here.

About the School of Filmmaking

Consistently recognized as among the nation’s best training programs for filmmakers, the UNCSA School of Filmmaking, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, has produced some of today’s most creative storytellers.

Led by working filmmaker Dean Deborah LaVine, the Film school is a collaborative community with personalized attention from its deep bench of award-winning directors, screenwriters, editors, cinematographers, production designers and animators, all committed professionals who continue to practice in the entertainment industry. With concentrations in animation, cinematography, directing, picture editing and sound design, producing, production design and visual effects, and screenwriting, UNCSA prepares filmmakers for all facets of the industry. Under the leadership of Dean LaVine, UNCSA has embraced a broad range of storytelling from traditional narrative films to episodic, documentary and immersive media and built international partnerships with film schools worldwide. Students learn the latest in filmmaking and technologies through the Media and Emerging Technology Lab (METL), dedicated to exploring the production of immersive and innovative storytelling. New program offerings such as the Story Art Studio are broadening the scope of the training and making students employable across a wide spectrum of work.

Notable alumni from the School of Filmmaking include Jeff Nichols (“The Bikeriders”); Vera Herbert (“This is Us,” “Don’t Make Me Go”); Craig Zobel (“Mare of Easttown,” “Penguin”); Danny McBride (“The Righteous Gemstones,” “Eastbound & Down”); David Gordon Green (“Nutcrackers,” the “Halloween” franchise); Zach Seivers (“Nomadland,” “Raymond & Ray,” “Will & Harper”); Brett Haley (“Hearts Beat Loud,” “The Hero”); Rebecca Green (“It Follows,” “I’ll See You in My Dreams”); Jody Hill (“The Righteous Gemstones,” “Vice Principals”); Martha Stephens (“To the Stars”); Aaron Katz (“Land Ho!” “Gemini”); Kaitlyn Ali (“Queen & Slim,” “The Trial of the Chicago 7”); Tim Orr (“Raising Victor Vargas,” “Joe”); Will Files (“The Batman,” “Stranger Things”); Zoë White (“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Westworld,” “Will & Harper”); Alex Bickel (“Beef”); and Michael Brake (“Barry”); among many others.

October 23, 2024