Dr. Artel Great is an Independent Spirit Award-nominated filmmaker, author, and cultural critic. He is the first Black valedictorian to graduate from UCLA Film School, where he holds both B.A. and M.A. degrees. He earned his PhD from NYU Tisch. His directorial debut "Love Like Winter" was nominated for Best Director- First Feature Narrative.
After skipping his sophomore year in high school, at age 16, Dr. Great matriculated at Columbia College Chicago where he double majored in theater and philosophy before being cast in the blockbuster film, Save the Last Dance.