Claudia Puig

Claudia Puig is a seasoned film industry professional with extensive experience in film programming, criticism, and academia. Currently serving as Program Director for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Puig curates and programs films while promoting contemporary and world cinema. As a Film Week Critic for KPCC - Southern California Public Radio since 2007, Puig analyzes and reviews a diverse range of films. Puig's leadership as President of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association from 2016 to 2023 showcased advocacy for film critics and event production, including the LAFCA awards. Additional roles include Senior Programmer at the American Film Institute and Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago, where Puig focused on diversity in media. Puig's background includes significant contributions to major publications such as USA Today and the Los Angeles Times, complemented by a master's degree in Communication and Media Studies from USC Annenberg and a bachelor's degree in English and Communication Studies from UCLA.