Prof Jolyon Mitchell is Director of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues (CTPI) at the University of Edinburgh. A former President of TRS-UK (the national association for theology and religion in the UK, 2012-2018), he also chaired the conference 'Peacemaking in the World of Film' (2007), co-sponsored by INTERFILM, SIGNIS and WACC. He regularly gives courses for students and postgraduates in the field of film and religion. A former BBC World Service producer and journalist, he has written extensively on film in recent books such as Promoting Peace, Inciting Violence: The Role of Religion and Media (2012); Media Violence and Christian Ethics (Cambridge University Press, 2007) and The Religion and Film Reader (co-editor, Routledge, 2007). A new edited volume on peacebuilding and the arts (Palgrave MacMillan, 2019) includes an extensive section on film and peacebuilding. He is co-editor of three monograph series, including (with Robert Johnston) a series of research monographs on 'Film and Religion' (Routledge).
Professor of Communications, Arts and Religion
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Articles
The 75th Venice International film Festival gave plenty of cause to celebrate. In 2018 it arguably outshone the other leading international film festivals...
In his essay about the Festival de Cannes 2015 jury member Jolyon Mitchell reflects on the use and the meaning of faces in media communication
Festivals
Current issues
Following the promising nominations, the Oscar ceremony felt like a disappointment. For the first time, the Academy had nominated international films such as “Sentimental Value” from Norway and “Secret Agent” from Brazil in the Best Picture category. Yet in the end, it was American productions that walked away with all the awards.
Film director Selma Vilhunen has won the Church Media Foundation’s 2026 prize for her documentary film 'Gate to Paradise' (Portti Paratiisiin).
Events
16.02.2025
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