Dean Castañeda Joins Amherst Cinema Board to Foster Community Through Film
By Nina Prenosil
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Dr. Mari Castañeda, dean of Commonwealth Honors College, recently joined the Board of Directors at the Amherst Cinema, an independent, nonprofit arts and education center in downtown Amherst. The cinema presents over 250 programs a year, including current-release films, retrospectives, international films, plays, and special event film series. Amherst Cinema executive director Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer explained more about the organization's decision to invite the dean to the board.
"In recruiting directors, the Cinema aspires to build a Board that is highly skilled, strategic, and reflects a variety of perspectives within our community. Joining us in 2024, Dean Castañeda has proven to be an excellent fit. Not only does her scholarly work align with Cinema's programmatic values and vision, but she's also demonstrated a deep commitment to the film arts. Together with her partner Joseph Krupczynski, they have been members of Amherst Cinema for over 12 years. Speaking on behalf of the organization, we're so grateful to have Mari on our team."
Castañeda shared that Amherst Cinema's work fosters wonderful community engagement opportunities throughout the city and the five-college system. She referenced the cinema’s recent series, FIVE ON FILM, a month-long tribute to graduates of the five colleges who made or starred in films.
Joining the Board of Directors is something that Castañeda feels is near and dear to her heart.
“I was super thrilled and excited to be invited to the board because Amherst Cinema is doing important, excellent work, and to be a part of a team that is moving forward its mission and being an advocate for the arts is something that speaks to my values.”
Castañeda’s love for the theater was abundantly clear. She spoke of how Amherst Cinema curates an intimate space that allows for a “really wonderful viewing experience” where movie-goers can connect over a shared encounter with a film.
Looking forward, Castañeda is eager to build community with the filmgoers and supporters of Amherst Cinema.

"Getting to know people better, and building community is something that is very crucial for my happiness and sense of well-being. So I look forward to being able to do that with the board and Amherst Cinema community.”