Carnegie Mellon University

We are shining a spotlight on films that feature Carnegie Mellon University alumni.

Join us to celebrate the work that happens on and off the screen of your favorite films.

Replace the theater with your laptop, phone or tablet — all films are available on streaming platforms. Please note: Attendees are responsible for personal movie access on their preferred streaming service. We will not be streaming individual films.

New Releases: March 4-5

"CODA"

Watch: AppleTV+
"CODA," a 2022 Oscar Best Picture nominee about a child of deaf parents, was written and directed by alumna Sian Heder (CFA 1999).

Heder speaks to Ingrid Sonnichsen, actress and associate teaching professor of acting emerita, School of Drama, about her path to creating this film and the obstacles that she faced.

Recorded February 2022

"The Last Starfighter"

Watch: YouTubeAppleTV+ | Amazon Prime Video | Google Play Movies
The 1984 film “The Last Starfighter” features alumna Barbara Bosson (CFA 1969) and tells the story of a teen recruited and trained to fight alongside aliens in a war via an arcade game.

A distinguished panel of CMU faculty and alumni come together to discuss the role of game simulations in society as well as how technology and gamification will continue to influence the future.

The panel:
• Dave Culyba (SCS 2002, CMU 2006), Assistant Teaching Professor, Entertainment Technology Center
• 
Holly Newman, Adjunct Instructor, Master of Entertainment Industry Management, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
• 
Jessica Hammer, Thomas and Lydia Moran Associate Professor of Learning Sciences, Human Computer Interaction Institute / Entertainment Technology Center
Tricia Nelson (DC 1992), moderator

Recorded February 2022

"Soul"

Watch: Disney+ | YouTube | AppleTV+ | Amazon Prime Video Google Play Movies
“Soul,” the 2021 Annie Award winner for Best Animated Feature, was edited by alumna Amera Rizk (CFA 1998), a film editor at Pixar Animation Studios.

Rizk joins James Duesing, professor of art, School of Art, and director of the Center for the Arts in Society, to discuss her journey from her initial discovery of animation at CMU to her current role at Pixar.

Recorded in February 2022

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"

Watch: HBO Max | AppleTV+ | Google Play Movies | Hulu | Amazon Prime Video | YouTube
Tony Award winner and alumna Renee Elise Goldsberry (CFA 1993) was one of the notable actors who took park in the film "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks."

Join Goldsberry and CMU’s Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant as they discuss the themes of the film and how they impact our students’ lives and the greater society.

Recorded in March 2022

Action

"Blade Runner"

 Watch: iTunes Prime Video | Vudu
"Blade Runner" was produced by alumnus Bud Yorkin (ENG 1948, HON 2006).  

The Role of A.I. and Technology in Society Panel:
• 
Alex Chouldechova, Estella Loomis McCandless Assistant Professor of Statistics and Public Policy, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
• David Danks, L.L. Thurstone Professor of Philosophy and Psychology, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Stephanie Rosenthal (SCS 2007, 2009, 2012), assistant teaching professor, School of Computer Science
• Ralph Vituccio (CMU 2012), teaching professor, Entertainment Technology Center

Recorded August 2020

"Black Panther"

Watch: Disney+ | iTunes | Prime Video | Vudu | YouTube
"Black Panther’s" main-to-end title sequence and Wakanda technology were designed by alumnus Jeremy Lasky (CFA 1995).

Lasky shares the secrets behind Black Panther’s visual effects.

Recorded August 2020

Drama

"1982"

Watch: iTunes | Prime Video | Vudu | YouTube
Alumnus Tommy Oliver (DC 2006) wrote, directed and produced "1982."

Oliver joins Michael Murphy (HNZ 1986) for an exclusive Q&A.

Watch an introduction to the film by Michael D. Smith, professor of information technology and marketing, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

Recorded August 2020

"Boys in the Band"

Watch: Netflix

Join CFA alumnus Matt Bomer for a discussion of the process of bringing “The Boys in the Band” from the stage to the screen and what the piece has meant to the LGBTQ+ community.

Recorded June 2021

"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"

Watch: Netflix
Several Tartans worked on this film, which was shot in Pittsburgh. CFA alumna Ann Roth (CFA 1953) received an Oscar for Best Costume Design for her work on the film.

CFA alumni Gina Cercone (CFA 2019) and Derek St. Pierre (CFA 2021) take us inside the world of costuming and their experience working with Roth on “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

Recorded April 2021

"Marshall"

Watch: Prime Video | YouTube
"Marshall" was produced by trustee and CFA alumna Paula Wagner and co-produced by CFA alumna Lauren Friedman, who also is an actor in the film.

Wagner shares an insider view of the making of "Marshall."

Recorded August 2020

"Marshall"

Watch: Prime Video | YouTube
"Marshall" stars alumni Josh Gad (CFA 2003) and James Cromwell (CFA 1964). Alumnus Tim Monich (CFA 1973, 1975) worked as a dialect coach on the film.

Gad and Joe Trotter, Giant Eagle University Professor of History and Social Justice, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, explore the history behind the film.

Recorded August 2020

Family

"The Iron Giant"

Watch: YouTube |
Laura Harkcom (DC 1993) was the Creative Executive, Director of Creative Affairs and Acting Department Head for "The Iron Giant."

What if the “The Iron Giant” had been a rock opera set in England? Harkcom explains how storytelling can shape the entertainment landscape. Listen in as she discusses the art of crafting a story — and shares a secret scene that was cut from “The Iron Giant.”

Recorded May 2021

"Mulan"

Watch: Disney+ | iTunes | Prime Video | Vudu
Alumna Ming-Na Wen (CFA 1986) stars in this animated film as "Mulan" and kicks off a favorite family film.

Recorded August 2020

Musicals

"Chicago"

Watch: iTunesVudu
"Chicago" was directed by alumnus Rob Marshall (CFA 1982), with lighting design by alumni Jules Fisher + Peggy Eisenhauer.

Marshall joins Drama professor Rick Edinger for an exclusive Q&A.

Recorded August 2020