Cesare Wright

Ph.D. Visual & Cultural Studies, Univ. of Rochester
M.A. Visual & Cultural Studies, Univ. of Rochester
M.F.A. Cinematic Arts, Univ. of Southern California
B.F.A. Visual Arts (Documentary Film), Rice University
B.A. Cultural Anthropology, Rice University
B.A. Art & Art History, Rice University

As a documentary filmmaker and visual anthropologist, I have traveled and worked in over 30 countries. My films explore such diverse topics as modern primitivism & performance sub-cultures, paramilitary civilian action on the U.S./Mexico border, the controversial world of talk radio, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA fighting, and the relationship between sports and assimilation in immigrant communities. Currently, I am working on several new documentary films, including an exploration of the growing participation of women in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. I have also worked as a News Editor and Special Projects Consultant for Fox 26 News.

I hold dual appointments at Rice University as an RCEL Lecturer in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and as the Outreach & Leadership Specialist for the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership. I also serve as President of the Kino-Eye Center for Visual Innovation, a 501(c)3 Arts & Education non-profit foundation. Through the Kino-Eye Center, I have formulated a variety of Education & Arts initiatives, including the Deconstructing Literacy K-12 education intervention program, the Spring 2012 Rice University Centennial Courses in Film and Art History, and career development events in partnership with the Rice Center for Career Development and the Humanities Research Center.