As one of the premier film and media arts colleges in the world, Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is filled with individuals dedicated to using their creative minds to tell the next generation of stories in new and innovative ways. To help in that creative endeavor, Inspire: The Campaign for Chapman University has received a transformative $1.5 million gift from the Dhont Family Foundation to establish the Dhont Family Innovation Hub at Dodge College. The new state-of-the-art facility will not only redefine cinematic storytelling but also expand global access to documentary filmmaking.
“Seeing the remarkable stories that have been generated by Chapman students is inspiring,” said Andre Dhont. “With this new innovation hub, students will be able to expand their creative talents to make their storytelling even more compelling.”
The Dhont Family Innovation Hub will house a 180-degree wraparound LED screen, a professional soundstage and a suite of virtual production capabilities that integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools. It is envisioned as a space where students experiment freely, push boundaries and develop the technical fluency needed to succeed in an ever-evolving industry. More than a facility, it represents a bold step forward for Dodge College students, empowering them to lead the next evolution of storytelling at the intersection of technology, creativity and global impact.
“Nobody has been more integral to Dodge College than Andre Dhont,” said Dodge College Dean Stephen Galloway. “He and the board of the Dhont Family Foundation have been endlessly supportive, passionate and inspiring — and never more than now, helping us pave the way to the future for an entire generation of young filmmakers.”
The Dhont Family Foundation’s investment extends beyond technology and facilities. Their gift also ensures long-term support for Community Voices: Global Stories, a distinguished program at Dodge College that merges social activism with documentary filmmaking. This program enables students to travel across the U.S. and internationally to capture stories that span cultural empathy, creative vision and global citizenship.
Over the years, Community Voices films have earned a place on the international stage, screened at festivals such as Cannes, Tribeca, Big Sky and Doc NYC, and aired on platforms including PBS, KCET and Argo. The program has launched graduates into careers with CNN Films, Netflix, National Geographic and other major outlets, and many of these alumni continue to amplify social issues through cinematic storytelling.
“This gift ensures that powerful, untold stories from around the world will continue to be brought to life by our students,” said Dodge College Associate Professor Sally Rubin. “Through the support of Andre and the Dhont Family Foundation, our students have been encouraged to explore complex social issues with depth, empathy, and purpose. The storytelling we do inspires change.”
As Chapman looks to the future, the Dhont Family Innovation Hub stands as a beacon of what’s possible when philanthropy, creativity and purpose align. It will serve not only as a launchpad for tomorrow’s storytellers but also as a tribute to the power of generosity to inspire change, on screen and beyond.
“Advancements in technology in the arts are ever changing, and we are grateful that the Dhont Family Foundation continues to invest in the future of our students,” said Matt Parlow, president-elect and executive vice president and chief advancement officer. “This gift reinforces Dodge College’s position at the top of the list for talented storytellers who aspire to work alongside our amazing students, faculty, and staff at Dodge College.”
