The New Program Will Bring Multifaceted Filmmaker Addison Henderson to Campus on March 20, 2025
Villa Maria has welcomed filmmaker and creative visionary Addison Henderson back to campus as the College’s first-ever Artist-at-Large.
As part of the inaugural program, Henderson will engage with students throughout the Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters, lending his expertise to enhance their filmmaking education. Working alongside Digital Filmmaking Professor Sarah Mann, Henderson will offer exclusive workshops, classroom instruction, field trips, and other hands-on learning experiences that have been specifically tailored to Villa Maria’s students.
“As an accomplished director, writer, and producer, Addison brings a wealth of industry experience and a passion for storytelling that aligns with our curriculum seamlessly,” said Professor Sarah Mann. “The real-world insights and guidance he will bring to campus can’t be found elsewhere. Our students are so fortunate to be able to learn directly from him.”
Henderson will also serve as an informal advisor as the program continues to evolve based on the demands of the job market in the Buffalo area and beyond.
“Henderson’s deep-rooted connection to the filmmaking industry and his commitment to uplifting emerging artists make him an invaluable addition to the Villa Maria community,” said Dr. Matthew Giordano, Villa Maria’s president. “His extraordinary talent, industry experience, and dedication to mentoring young filmmakers will undoubtedly inspire our students and help shape the future of the Digital Filmmaking program at the College and in Western New York.”
Henderson is an established director, actor, writer, and producer with a diverse portfolio that includes film, television, and documentaries. He has contributed to several notable productions, including his work with Chadwick Boseman on films such as Black Panther (2018), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).
He also worked on 21 Bridges (2019) and directed, produced, wrote, and starred in Givers of Death (2020), a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller that premiered at the American Black Film Festival and won Best Screenplay. Givers of Death was shot entirely in Buffalo, NY, and was acquired by The Showtime Network. Villa Maria College sponsored the film’s premiere in September 2020.
Henderson’s upcoming projects include the docuseries Just One Before I Die: The Definitive Bills Mafia Story. He is also developing a supernatural TV series titled The Healer, which was selected for the PGA’s 16th annual Power of Diversity Master Workshop.
Previously, Henderson worked with the College to headline VillaCon, speak in classes, host workshops, and lead working sessions for students. Originally from the East Side of Buffalo, Henderson is now based out of Los Angeles California.
