D.J. Higgins: A multifaceted filmmaker and educator at Penn State Schuylkill

D.J. Higgins receiving The Mike Vezza Experimental Award

D.J. Higgins receiving The Mike Vezza Experimental Award for his film, "The Documentary."

Credit: Penn State Schuylkill

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — D.J. Higgins, an accomplished filmmaker and assistant teaching professor of film/video and music at Penn State Schuylkill, is a true Renaissance figure in the world of cinema and education. With a diverse background in languages, film, and academia, Higgins brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his teaching and creative projects.

Higgins is an active filmmaker, having directed, written, and produced several award-winning short films. His feature film "The Documentary" recently earned him The Mike Vezza Experimental Award, further establishing his reputation in the independent film circuit. His films, much like his thoughtful responses in interviews, explore complex themes and challenge conventional narratives.

Higgins’ involvement in the local arts scene is also notable. He is working with the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) as one of the directors and consultants for the inaugural Pottsville Film Festival. Scheduled for May 30 to June 1, 2025, the festival will be the first of its kind in Schuylkill County, showcasing student films, as well as Pennsylvania and national works. This event promises to be a major celebration of the arts in the region, providing a platform for filmmakers at various stages of their careers.

"I am excited to announce that I have joined the Pottsville Film Festival as one of the festival's directors in a consulting role," Higgins said. "Pottsville is the perfect venue for a film festival, and I look forward to seeing the city filled with artists from May 30 to June 1. We will have three cash prizes at $500 each (Best Student Film, Best of the Fest, Best Pennsylvania Film), as well as fifteen award categories with trophies and prizes. This is an amazing opportunity for the community and artists alike to collaborate and I am grateful to be a part of this initiative."

This fall, Higgins is leading a community enrichment cinema course at Penn State Schuylkill, where participants will watch and discuss films focusing on mental health in cinema. The course, held in the Morgan Auditorium, encourages meaningful dialogue around the portrayal of mental health in film, blending education with an exploration of social issues.

Through his teaching, filmmaking, and contributions to local arts initiatives, Higgins continues to make a lasting impact both in the classroom and on the screen. His passion for film, combined with his dedication to education and community, sets him apart as a true leader in his field.

For more information about the upcoming fall cinema course, visit Penn State Schuylkill's Community Cinema Course page. For more information about PADCO's film festival, visit The Pottsville Film Festival page.