Contact
lewisct@iu.edu
317-278-3799
IT 414H
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
Outside Media
Short film ‘Michael’ is long on impact
IUPUI’s own C. Thomas Lewis and Carole McAteer, from the schools of informatics and medicine, respectively, traveled to Los Angeles on Oct. 7-9 to present their HIV-stigma film at the Awareness Film Festival. They represented IUPUI at the festival with a short film called “Michael,” which depicts the life of a Kenyan adolescent living with HIV. After Michael’s father neglects to take him to get medicine, Michael must find the courage to take responsibility for his own health.
Read more about the short film
Related News
- October 16, 2024
Video game preservation lab earns IU Museum Collection status at IU Indianapolis - June 6, 2024
MAS alumnus Juwann Nelson: an athlete’s journey from playing football to filming for the NBA - March 10, 2022
SoIC Awards honor exceptional staff, instructors - July 31, 2019
Impact of Indiana’s opioid epidemic demonstrated through film by IUPUI faculty - September 20, 2018
Students in Greece Study Abroad Program find new stories to document - April 2, 2018
Two MAS alumni to premiere documentary at the Tribeca Film Fest - November 28, 2017
Media Arts and Science film students participate in Heartland Film Festival - October 16, 2016
Professor’s film to be screened at Heartland Film Festival - September 16, 2016
Students digitally document cultural treasures in Paros, Greece - September 23, 2015
SoIC recognizes faculty for outstanding service and achievement - March 31, 2015
Media Arts and Science Faculty Receives New Frontiers Grant for AMPATH Project - December 16, 2014
Team develops app that offers better way to present patients with information in a global health care setting - October 14, 2014
Media Arts and Science Student Creates “Shake It Off” Video for Fun and a Cause - October 10, 2014
Alumni Film Accepted Into Heartland Film Festival - February 18, 2014
Media Arts and Science Faculty, Students Collaborate with School of Medicine to Create AMPATH Health Education Videos - January 17, 2014
School of Informatics and Computing Professor Involved in “Cool” Project - September 6, 2013
School of Informatics and Computing Students and Alumni Win Big at 2013 48 Hour Film Competition - January 23, 2013
C. Thomas Lewis, Media Arts and Science Lecturer, Chronicles Battle between Man and Nature in Video Installation Exhibit at Indianapolis Gallery - April 22, 2010
Students get a taste of movie magic with their very own film