Meet the director
A message from Cheryl Boone Isaacs
Welcome to The Sidney Poitier New American Film School! We are so glad you’re here, and we are looking forward to teaching you the fundamentals and principles of storytelling. It’s an exciting time here at The Poitier School. We are located in three cities in two states. Along with our main campus in Tempe, Arizona State University has restored the glorious Herald Examiner Building in Downtown Los Angeles. This summer, we opened our brand new 118,000 square foot state-of-the-art production facility—the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center—in downtown Mesa.
As one of the schools in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, we are looking to build interdisciplinary courses and degrees. We want to assist our students in developing an even broader understanding of the arts and design, and how they relate to storytelling in all of its forms, on all of its platforms.
We recognize and value creativity. That’s why we are creating the most inclusive, affordable and impactful film program for the next generation of cinematic storytellers. The Sidney Poitier New American Film School educates and advises students in the literatures, theories, histories and practices of contemporary filmmaking.
We will extend beyond our borders by our teaching, creative activity and professional services. This will enrich the cultural life of the University, the community, the state and the region. We will move the art of film production into the future by building on its diverse histories and cultural contexts.
Our students will focus on purpose, passion and perspective in all their communication efforts, whether that be film, AR/VR/XR, shortform video production or any other type of experiential media.
We at The Sidney Poitier New American Film School foster spaces that help empower our students so they can feel confident enough to tell their stories.
We will educate students on the journey a story takes from its inception through to the audience, and on all the varied platforms of distribution that we have today. Our goal is to ensure that our students are educated, energized and prepared for their chosen futures.
We look forward to seeing you.
Cheryl Boone Isaacs
Founding Director and Professor of Practice, The Sidney Poitier New American Film School
About Cheryl Boone Isaacs
Cheryl Boone Isaacs is the Founding Director of Arizona State University’s Sidney Poitier New American Film School. She is a past president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who, during her 24 years as a board member, held every officer position and served as President of the Academy Foundation.
As President and CEO of CBI Enterprises, Inc. Boone Isaacs has consulted for companies such as MTV Films, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Lionsgate and Sony Entertainment. She previously served as president of theatrical marketing for New Line Cinema and was executive vice president of worldwide publicity for Paramount Pictures.
Education and experience
- BA in political science, Whittier College, 1971
- Honorary doctorate degree, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, 2015
- Honorary doctorate degree, Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, 2016
- President of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, 2013–2017
- Trustee of the American Film Institute, 2013–2017
- Executive vice president of worldwide publicity for Paramount Pictures, 1984–1997
- President of theatrical marketing for New Line Cinema, 1997–1999
- Founder of CBI Enterprises Inc., 2000–present
Recognition
- Essence Magazine's Trailblazer Award, 2013
- Inducted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, 2014
- African American Film Critics Association Horizon Award, 2014
- Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation 2017 Pioneer of the Year
- AFI Trustee Emeritus
- Ischia Art Award from The Ischia International Arts Academy, 2015
- Icon Mann Legacy Award, 2018
- Southern Christian Leadership Council 2016 Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award
Featured stories
Selected publications
“Sidney Poitier the man, the icon, the legend —
is my North Star who exemplifies determination, passion, professionalism and excellence. I am honored to be part of his legacy and to impart his ethos to future generations of storytellers.”
— Cheryl Boone Isaacs