Jon Alpert and Keiko Tsuno

Documentary Filmmakers

2017

 

Since 1972, Jon Alpert and Keiko Tsuno have worked to expand public access to electronic media through the Downtown Community Television Center in New York City. Driven by the belief that citizen access to media production strengthens democracy, the pair have provided free or low-cost production courses to diverse communities, as well as access to film equipment, for an estimated 75,000 young New Yorkers.

Alpert, a 16-time Emmy Award winner, and Tsuno shared their passion for expanding public access to media arts with The New School community as the School of Media Studies 2017 Hirshon Artists-in-Residence.

As part of their residency, Alpert and Tsuno led master classes for media and documentary studies students and presented a public lecture, Five Decades of Community Media from Canal Street to Cuba

“Jon Alpert and Keiko Tsuno’s DCTV community media project and filmmaking achievements are unparalleled in US community media education,” said Media Studies Dean Carol Wilder. “Their steadfast 45-year commitment to youth media and to progressive documentary filmmaking establishes them as the gold standard for community media engagement.”

More Artists in Residence

Christine Vachon

Film Producer

2024

Sam Pollard

Filmmaker

2021

Mary Harron

Film Director

2020

Raoul Peck

Filmmaker

2019

Sean Baker

Filmmaker

2018

Jon Alpert and Keiko Tsuno

Documentary Filmmakers

2017

Toni Dove

Artist in interactive media

2014

Lynn Hershman Leeson

Artist and filmmaker

2013

Benh Zeitlin

Filmmaker, Composer and Animator

2013

Ramin Bahrani

Director, Screenwriter

2012

Guy Maddin

Filmmaker

2011

Haile Gerima

Filmmaker and Professor of film

2010

Jim Stark

Producer

2009

Cynthia Wade

2008

John Cameron Mitchell

2007

Laurie Anderson

Composer, Artist, Filmmaker

2005

John Waters

Filmmaker

2004

D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus

Documentary filmmakers

2003

Learn more about our programs

The MA in Media Studies gives students experience in creative media making, critical analysis, and entrepreneurialism. The Media Management MS offers the practical experience you need to succeed in today's media industries. The Documentary Studies Certificate program provides an opportunity to study documentary filmmaking in a small, tightly focused program. The Media Management Certificate Program provides a strong foundation of management principles and leadership skills to find work in the ever-changing global media landscape.

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