Behind the Camera

Aiden Ahn discusses how his cultural identity as an ethnic Korean American filmmaker has challenged him to become successful, how he's developed the ability to feel like an “imposter,” and how he's had difficulty with being thought of as a model minority. With inspiration from the work of other filmmakers, including Philip Ahn, he has been able to find inspiration in his life as a member of an immigrant family.

Cici Xu explores the emotional and technical journey of directing her debut film, The Recipe. Moving beyond academic theory, she employs diverse techniques to translate her personal experiences with homesickness and cultural heritage into a tactile cinematic reality. Reflecting on the creative process, Xu bridges the gap between memory and the screen, ultimately discovering a deeper sense of belonging and the true purpose behind her filmmaking.

The Oscars, as both an institution and a form of critique, have demonstrated something increasingly difficult to ignore: the power of good campaigning often outweighs the power of good critique. As a result, the average moviegoer, film connoisseur, and those in between have consistently found themselves out of step with the Academy. This year feels no different. Despite Sinners being the top pick among students for Best Picture in a survey of Columbia film lovers I conduct

Not having a good time in this world? Try a new one! If you’re looking to stave off the next four weeks of seasonal depression, check out this list of recommendations for films that can improve your mood by a few percentage points through 1) soundtracks that will make you nostalgic for a time you never experienced 2) casts of loveable societal outcasts, and 3) narrative arcs that tie everything into a nice little bow.

A look into Anthony Bourdain’s exploration of Hanoi, engagement with its people, and the sore thumb of the leader of the free world that tries to understand what made Tony special, under the pressure of historical weight and buff secret service men.

A24 has built a cinematic universe where sadness is not weakness but a compass, guiding characters toward emotional truth. From Lady Bird to Midsommar, the studio transforms grief, longing, and existential dread into something intimate, beautiful, and deeply recognizable. This piece explores how A24 has evolved into something bigger than a studio, becoming a cultural mood, an aesthetic, and a shorthand for feeling deeply in a world that often rewards detachment.

Dear the film community at Columbia University, Double Exposure hereby cordially invites you to take part in the 2026 Oscar Pool. The pool is open to all undergraduate students (CC, SEAS, GS, BC) and all faculty members. Here is the link to sign up: https://www.runyourpool.com/contest/?jCode=ed8c64508859495b903525b721b81907 Create an account with your Columbia/Barnard email address and make your picks. The results will update live during the ceremony. Below is the scoring sy

On behalf of CLiP (Crowned Lion Innovative Pictures): CLiP is Columbia University’s student-run filmmaking organization dedicated to hands-on creative education. While Columbia’s undergraduate Film & Media Studies program emphasizes theory, history, and critical analysis, CLiP exists to complement that academic foundation with real, practical filmmaking experience. CLiP provides the applied side of film education, bringing together writers, directors, producers, cinematograph