Jonathan Clementi-Smith

Jonathan Clementi-Smith

Senior Lecturer, Digital Film and Video
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Details

About

Dr. Jonathan Clementi-Smith is an academic, filmmaker, and visual artist whose work bridges creative practice and critical theory. Holding a PhD in Film by Theory and Practice, and an MA European Cinema from the University of Exeter. He has taught across the UK, and Asia, including roles at Mahidol University (Thailand), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (China), Baptist University, Academy of Film (Hong Kong), and The University of Hong Kong (HKU).
An award-winning filmmaker, his work has been commissioned by the Arts Council UK and screened at international venues including HotDocs Toronto and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts. His practice explores postcolonial and trance cinema, expanded cinema, and emerging digital media. His documentary work focuses on the ethnographic in relation to disenfranchised communities.

Teaching Areas
Film theory and history
Digital filmmaking and production
Screenwriting and visual storytelling
Postcolonial cinema
Emerging technologies in media

Selected Creative Works and Awards
The Surroundings – Best Cinematography, Fresh Wave Hong Kong
The Offerings – DUR Award, HotDocs Toronto
Therapeutic Community – Kessler Institute Prize
People Inbetween – Arts Council UK Commission
Contributor to De-Westernizing Film Studies (Routledge, 2011)

Media

Academic positions

  • Senior Lecturer
  • Mahidol University
  • Dept of Communication
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • 1 Mar 2018 – 1 Sep 2020
  • Lecturer
  • Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
  • Film Dept.
  • Suzhou, China
  • 1 Mar 2015 – 1 Mar 2018
  • Associate Professor (Visiting Scholar)
  • University of Hong Kong
  • Comp Lit
  • Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
  • 1 Jan 2011 – 1 Sep 2013
  • Senior Lecturer
  • Hong Kong Baptist University
  • Academy of Film CTV
  • Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • 1 Sep 2008 – 1 Sep 2013
  • Lecturer
  • Dartington College of Arts
  • Fine Art
  • Dartington Totnes, United Kingdom
  • 1 Sep 2001 – 1 Sep 2006
  • Lecturer (filmmaker in Residence)
  • University of Exeter
  • SML
  • Exeter, United Kingdom
  • 1 Sep 2000 – 1 Sep 2008

Teaching interests

Approach to Teaching
Dr. Clementi-Smith’s pedagogy is rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and creative experimentation. He integrates professional filmmaking experience into academic contexts, encouraging students to develop critical insight alongside technical skill. His teaching emphasizes student agency, cultural diversity, and the integration of theory and practice.

 

I have taught a very diverse series of modules, from World Cinemas,

Film Theory & Popular Culture, 

Experimental Film,

The Art of Scriptwriting and Storyboarding,

Visual Storytelling,

Cinematography, 

Interactivity and Emerging Technology,

Media Ethics,

Practical Documentary,

Visual Communication,

Pre-Production, & Post-Production,

Short Form Video Production

 

 

Research interests

Research Interests
Global screen cultures and intercultural storytelling
Practice-based research in film and video art
Postcolonial perspectives in cinema
Digital media aesthetics and narrative innovation

 

Currently working a new book called,

Sleepwalking Through Dreamtime

A film philosophy of Oniro-Modernism