We are incredibly proud of our many impressive alumni. Recent CIMS graduates have used their degrees to pursue a range of careers, including: filmmaking, film programming, publishing, arts journalism and film criticism, art making, creative writing, education, business, marketing, advertising and brand consulting.
Alumni Testimonials
“The CIMS program is a fantastic way to learn about cinema from a critical and analytical perspective. Through CIMS I learned to watch films through the lens of psychology, philosophy, history, and more. The program helped me draw connections between my English major and WGS minor as well, enhancing my undergraduate education and helping me think critically about art and the world.”
— Caroline Aaron, Minor, ’19 (Telesales Account Manager at Simon & Schuster)
“CIMS has truly been a transformative part of my life, both academically and personally. I didn’t just learn about film theories or watch movies from around the world—I discovered how cinema can open up new ways of seeing and understanding the world around me. Through this program, I realized that film isn’t just something I enjoy—it’s something that helps me make sense of culture, identity, and connection. My time at CIMS has deepened my love for film and given me the motivation to keep studying it in the future. ”
— Violet Chen, Major, ’25 (Current Masters student in Critical Asian Humanities at Duke University)
“My classes in CIMS transformed the way I read, write, and watch. The major equipped me with a versatile skill set that opened the door to fields far beyond film.”
— Mary Katherine Moore, Major, ’20 (Writer for Environmental America. Read her work here.)
“I cannot emphasize enough how I love films and their ability to influence people’s everyday lives through its form, visual, and most importantly, narrative. Cinema & Media Studies program at Boston University has not only expanded my understanding of the history and such aspects of cinema, the program has immensely deepened my understanding of the world’s societal, political, and cultural aspects through the lens of cinema as well – and ultimately made me aware of my own cultural upbringing as a Korean American individual (through deeply thought-provoking and reflective films of Andrei Tarkovsky, Lee Chang-dong, Hong Sang-soo, as well as the works of Korean American actor Philip Ahn). As I wish to continue further exploring the ultimate definition of Cinema, I am glad and honored to have been part of the incredibly well-structured curriculum. ”
— Gerry Hwang, Major, ’25
“I am so proud to have been a part of the CIMS program. What really sticks with me are the open discussions we would have. I think this really developed my collaboration skills and taught me not to just talk (which I do a lot of) but also to listen to others’ interpretation of a story, the mise-en-scène, or aesthetic. I also really enjoyed opening my mind to foreign cinema. You view the world as others do, and in so doing, expand your understanding of art, life, and narrative.”
— Dillon Bentlage, Major, ’18 (Filmmaker and co-founder of Karen Twins Productions)
“CIMS gave me a fantastic interdisciplinary education through studies of different cultures and identities, and I use the transferrable skills it taught me (writing skills, interpersonal skills, importance of history, equity, diversity, inclusion) in my student services work today. I loved my classes in the program, and hope others do too.”
— Lauren Backus, Major, ’17 (Completing Master’s Degree in Education, Student Outreach Coordinator at BU’s Center for Career Development and Educational Resource Center.)
“My degree has taken me down some interesting career paths. I have worked as a content intern in a video game company’s marketing department and then as a social media and marketing associate for a B2B startup. Last year, I changed career paths and moved back to Boston. Every day since I graduated from BU, I have had to bring the critical thinking and writing skills that I learned in CIMS to produce engaging and well-written social media posts, marketing content, and articles.”
— Taylor Mendoza, Minor, ’18 (Associate Editor at BU Today and Bostonia. Read her work here.)