Our Mission
The Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts promotes research, scholarship, teaching, production, and exhibition of film and moving-image arts, providing access and opportunity for UC San Diego students and scholars to pursue their passion in cinematics arts.
Our Values and Guiding Principles
- A broad and inclusive notion of the “cinematic arts”
- Innovation and experimentation in production and scholarship
- Diversity, aiming to highlight underrepresented practitioners and scholars
- A regional and transnational focus, from San Diego to Mexico and the Pacific Rim
- Interdisciplinary approaches that enhance collaborative research and practice, expanding understanding and creativity beyond a single discipline
Fast Facts
- Established in late 2021at UC San Diego, the Center is strategically positioned within the School of Arts and Humanities, the university’s hub for creative and academic advancement in culture, music, theater, film and the arts. Operating out of the School of Arts and Humanities Dean's Office, the Center is led by inaugural faculty director Michael Trigilio, a multimedia artist and Department of Visual Arts teaching professor.
- Launched following a generous donation from the Israni family and named in honor of their late son Suraj, an aspiring filmmaker, the Center continues his legacy and is committed to promoting, advancing and advocating for film, filmmaking and the cinematic arts.
- A key supporter of the Cinematic Arts and Visual Arts - Media academic programs on campus, the center hosts events, offers scholarships, shares resources and creates opportunities to connect students, faculty, staff and industry professionals for cross-media innovation.
- The Center's work elevates the university’s role as a leader in innovative, interdisciplinary collaboration in both a local and global perspective. From film scholars and filmmakers specializing in our unique border region, and colleagues engaged in transnational cinematic experiences, to practitioners in sound design, composition, writing and acting, the new center transcends boundaries to combine learning and doing, storytelling and social engagement, and cross-media innovation.
NEW! Major in Cinematic Arts
The Cinematic Arts major is grounded in critical analysis and cultivating cinematic “voice,” combining an interdisciplinary exploration of film theory and practical techniques for production.
Who is Suraj Israni?
The Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts is named in honor of an aspiring filmmaker.
Meet the Team
The Center is run by a faculty director and supported by staff in the School of Arts and Humanities Dean's Office.
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.