Research Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Scholar and film-maker focused on analyzing social inequalities and promoting social justice
12 June 2025 h. 10.00
Aula B, Complesso Belmeloro, Via Andreatta 8, Bologna
Kum-Kum Bhavnani is a scholar/film-maker (Mirror and Hammer Films) who adopts a multilayered approach to analyzing inequalities and to building a more just, livable planet. Her film-making, interdisciplinary research, and teaching are shaped by cultural studies, and international development. Through her work, she aspires to draw attention to transformations that resonate with social justice and equity. Her feature length documentaries include We are Galapagos, Lutah: A Passion for Architecture a Life in Design, The Shape of Water, and Nothing Like Chocolate.
At the University of California Santa Barbara she is a Research Professor (Distinguished Professor Emerita July 2024) and the campus Senior International Officer. She earned her doctorate at Kings College, Cambridge following her Honours degree from Bristol University (Psychology, with minors in Sociology, Politics and Philosophy), and her Masters from Nottingham University (Child and Educational Psychology). She joined the UCSB Department of Sociology in July 1991.
She was Chair and Vice Chair of the University of California Systemwide Senate (2018-2020) and Chair of the Academic Senate at the UCSB (2012-2016). At present, she serves on the Chancellor's Advisory Task Force on Childcare at UCSB and on the Systemwide Fossil Free Task Force that is developing plans for electrification of all UC campuses.
Her service includes collaborating with scholars, , policy makers, artists, NGOs and other community activists. She is inspired by those who create the social justice urgently needed for present and future generations and for our planet.