Cynthia Wade, 2008 Director-in-Residence who taught cinematography in the graduate certificate program in Documentary Media Studies, was nominated for her second Academy Award with her film Mondays at Racine. She previously won the same category, Best Documentary (short subject) in 2008 for Freeheld. With over 20 years of filmmaking experience, Wade’s films tend to follow a strong female lead enduring high-stakes struggles or conflicts between communities.
Mondays at Racine is a documentary short chronicling a salon in Long Island that opens its door for free once a month to women undergoing chemotherapy treatments. The film focuses on the experience of fighting cancer and its resultant side effects on everyday life, including hair loss.
Cynthia is a MacArthur grant recipient and holds a Master’s Degree from Stanford University in Documentary Film.