Nicholas Pilarski

Nicholas Pilarski is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), where he is affiliated with both The Sidney Poitier New American Film School and the School of Arts Media and Engineering. He is recognized for his work as an award-winning filmmaker who specializes in interactive and emerging media, focusing on co-creating stories that engage with communities rather than merely representing them. His artistic approach aims to challenge traditional roles within media production, fostering environments where the distinctions between author, subject, teacher, and student are blurred.13

Academic Background and Research

Pilarski holds a degree from Duke University and has been involved in several significant research projects. His recent work includes collaborations on projects funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, addressing topics such as precision diagnosis and treatment of insomnia, risk management in collectives, and youth leadership in climate science.24

Professional Contributions

In addition to his teaching role, Pilarski serves as the co-director of the Resilient Visions Co-Lab, focusing on XR (extended reality) technology. His contributions to the field have been recognized by various organizations; he has been featured as one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Cinema and has had his work highlighted by the MIT Co-Creation Studio as exemplary of community-created practices.15

Personal Philosophy

Pilarski's creative philosophy revolves around building ecosystems that address issues related to historicized poverty and class-based trauma. By developing technology in partnership with communities, he aims to create alternatives to conventional media structures, ultimately enriching the narratives produced through collaborative efforts.13