Ann Arbor Times

John Cameron Mitchell, known for his work on the film "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," is teaching a new course at the University of Michigan this fall. As the John H. Mitchell Visiting Professor in Media Entertainment in the Department of Film, Television, and Media, Mitchell is leading a class called “Problemagic Cinema” at Ann Arbor’s State Theatre.

The course looks at cinema history with an emphasis on diverse creative approaches and production styles. Students will end the semester by making their own short films. The films selected for study focus on artistic authenticity and resourcefulness over mainstream production values. Titles include “A Moment of Innocence,” “All That Jazz,” “The Lives of Others,” and “A Woman Under the Influence.”

Mitchell highlighted that many of these works were made with limited budgets but still achieved significant emotional impact. He said, “I’m reminding students what punk really means—making things outside the system, for no apparent reason except the beauty and usefulness of it. That’s what ‘Hedwig’ was, that’s what ‘Shortbus’ was. They were made for friends and community, not for commerce—and because of that sincerity, they resonated far beyond what I imagined.”

He also addressed challenges facing independent filmmakers today: “Anyone can make a film now— but not everyone has the skills,” he said. “You still have to practice writing, directing, working with actors, editing, music. But that’s the beauty of it: Film is one of the last truly collaborative art forms. It’s not just about breaking into the industry—it’s about finding your story and telling it your way.

“Creativity right now is our only active antidepressant. Making something with your friends—that’s the most powerful mood lifter there is.”

In addition to teaching, Mitchell serves as lead artist facilitator for the University of Michigan Arts Initiative's Student Creative Fellowship. This program supports students from all backgrounds in developing their creative ideas into projects that will be presented at a public showcase on Sunday, November 16.

Mitchell explained his approach to mentoring: “I wanted to remind students that narrative storytelling doesn’t have to live only on film. It can happen in theater, in podcasts, even on unexpected platforms. The story finds its form.” He encourages fellows to pursue ideas they find urgent or emotionally true.

“My role is more like a spiritual godfather—making sure they feel supported, inspired and reminded that art is an honorable calling, not a luxury,” he said.

Reflecting on his time at Ann Arbor so far and his first experience teaching such a class directly, Mitchell stated: “Ann Arbor has been incredibly responsive—from theater and film to performance art and gender studies. It just felt natural to come here... I’ve really been enjoying it.”