Yoruba Richen

Recognized for advancing sustainable solutions for documentary storytelling, Yoruba Richen is a distinguished filmmaker and educator at the Film and Media Studies department at CUNY City College, New York. With a passion for documentary filmmaking, Richen leads the Documentary Program at Newmark J-School, where she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience to aspiring journalists and filmmakers. Her work in the field has been celebrated for its depth, insight, and commitment to social justice. The Documentary Program, under Richen's guidance, offers a specialization within the M.A. in Journalism program, focusing on the art and craft of documentary filmmaking. Students in the program are immersed in all aspects of production, gaining hands-on experience as they work on a single documentary project throughout their studies. This approach not only hones their technical skills but also encourages them to develop a unique storytelling voice. Richen's leadership is complemented by a talented faculty team, including Associate Professor Bob Sacha and Adjunct Faculty Michèle Stephenson. Together, they provide a diverse and experienced teaching environment that enriches the learning experience for students. The program's curriculum is designed to be intensive, with classes that challenge students to push the boundaries of traditional journalism and explore innovative ways to tell compelling stories. Internship opportunities are a key component of the program, offering students real-world experience and professional networking opportunities. Students have the option to fulfill half of the summer internship requirement through documentary work, allowing them to apply their classroom learning in practical settings. This integration of academic and professional experiences prepares graduates for successful careers in the competitive field of documentary filmmaking. Students can apply directly to the Documentary Program or choose to transfer in after their first semester, providing flexibility for those who wish to explore different aspects of journalism before committing to a specialization. Yoruba Richen's dedication to nurturing the next generation of documentary filmmakers is evident in the program's success and the achievements of its alumni. Her commitment to storytelling that inspires change continues to influence and shape the future of documentary filmmaking.