P. Adams Sitney, a distinguished figure in the study of avant-garde film and emeritus professor at Princeton University, passed away at his home in Matunuck, Rhode Island, on June 8. He was 80 years old.
Sitney’s career began at Princeton in 1980 as a lecturer. By 1992, he had become a full professor and remained until attaining emeritus status in 2016. His contributions to the university included founding Princeton’s film studies committee and overseeing the construction of the James M. Stewart ’32 Theater.
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon remembered Sitney as “inevitably the smartest person in any room he graced” and praised his graciousness. Muldoon recounted a story highlighting Sitney’s approachability and humor when two sisters tested his accessibility by visiting him unannounced.
One of Sitney’s former students, photographer Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, described him as more than a professor, calling him “a cartographer of the unseen.” She reflected on how his teachings reshaped her understanding of film and perception.
Colleague Keith Sanborn noted that Sitney brought “unprecedented intellectual rigor” to avant-garde film studies, emphasizing its artistic value beyond popular culture trends.
Sitney authored several influential books, including three versions of “Visionary Film: The American Avant-Garde” and other works that explored cinema’s complex nature. Su Friedrich, an emeritus professor at Princeton, acknowledged both their professional disagreements and shared respect for Sitney’s dedication to filmmakers’ works.
Born on August 9, 1944, Sitney completed his education at Yale University with degrees in Greek, Sanskrit, and comparative literature. He taught at various institutions worldwide before joining Princeton.
Throughout his tenure at Princeton, Sitney taught a wide array of courses spanning humanities subjects and received the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2010. His global influence extended through lectures and curated film screenings at prominent museums.
Friedrich recalled spirited debates with Sitney over filmmakers like Tarkovsky and Kiarostami. Despite their differing views, she cherished these intellectual exchanges as part of what made working with him rewarding.
Sitney is survived by his first wife Julie and children Blake (Naraporn), Sky (Ulaş Karasu), Augusta, and Miranda. His second wife Marjorie Keller predeceased him.
Contributions can be made to Anthology Film Archives in memory of P. Adams Sitney.
