C. Thomas Lewis, M.F.A.

Phone:

317-278-3799

Email:

lewisct@iu.edu

Website:

https://untitledevent.blog/

Image Control

Education

• M.F.A., California Institute of the Arts
• B.A., University of the Arts, Philadelphia

Biography

C. Thomas Lewis is a teaching professor at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering in Indianapolis and directs the Media Arts and Science program. He integrates his active artistic practice in film and video with his teaching, demonstrating the power of narrative and documentary storytelling. Lewis employs a learning-through-doing approach, involving students in his projects to provide real-world experience and prepare them for careers in filmmaking and creative fields.

As co-director of the study abroad course “Documenting Historical Cultural Artifacts and Traditions in Paros, Greece,” Lewis has led seven student groups to the island. Through collaboration with local residents, students have created over 60 films contributing to Paros’ historical and cultural preservation. This experiential learning context allows students to develop their filmmaking skills while engaging with Parian culture.
From 2017 to 2021, Lewis worked on “Opioid Stories,” examining the impact of the opioid epidemic in Indiana through narrative films, interviews, and a documentary. Students participated in all stages of production. “The Long Run,” a documentary following Wes Doty’s journey from addiction to marathon running, was selected for multiple film festivals, including Heartland’s Indy Shorts and the Indianapolis Film Festival in 2021.

Previously, Lewis created films in Kenya exploring HIV stigma and misinformation. Collaborating with medical professionals, an anthropologist, and Moi University students, he produced a series screened at festivals across the US and Africa. The project was presented at the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa.

Lewis also explores video art, pushing the boundaries of the medium. Since 2012, he has investigated how video-mapping technologies can create immersive experiences that challenge perceptions. He recently contributed a video-mapping installation to “Fix: Heartbreak and Hope in Our Opioid Crisis” at the Indiana State Museum.

After receiving his M.F.A. in film from CalArts in 1993, Lewis worked in video and film production in Los Angeles for 16 years. From 2001 to 2009, he produced DVD bonus materials for major motion pictures, including the Harry Potter franchise.
Lewis brings his ongoing creative practice into the classroom, teaching by example how to challenge oneself, remain open to learning, and adapt to emerging video technologies. He emphasizes that being a filmmaker is not just a title but a perspective for constant engagement with the world.

Research interests

• Documentary filmmaking
• Narrative filmmaking
• Video-mapping / visualization
• Narrative medicine
• Health information systems and technologies
• Mobile medical software
• Connecting communities
  
  

Courses

• NEWM-N 353 Intermediate Digital Video
• NEWM-N 354 Directorial Analysis, Production, and RAW Workflow
• NEWM-N 356 Lighting and Field Production
• NEWM-N 357 Digital Effects
• NEWM-N 456 Digital Cinema
• NEWM-N 468 Video for Social Change

News

• Professor produces films to document new health care services program for all in Guyana
• Video game preservation lab earns IU Museum Collection status at IU Indianapolis
• MAS alumnus Juwann Nelson: an athlete’s journey from playing football to filming for the NBA
• SoIC Awards honor exceptional staff, instructors
• Short film ‘Michael’ is long on impact