Teaching

Since 2009, Sur has taught 90 plus sections of film studies, scriptwriting and film production classes. As an educator, she is a strong proponent of experiential learning and believes in giving opportunity to underrepresented voices in her teaching and filmworks. Sur was the recipient of CU Denver’s President’s Diversity award.

Additionally, she believes that student works should be encouraged to have a life outside of canvas. Sur strives to engage her students in as much industry experience as possible, by showcasing their works at film festivals, inviting industry experts as guest speakers, or by creating pathways for internships. 

Sur’s vast industry connections, both domestic and international, allow her to invite many professionals into her classes. Among many others, guest speakers who have attended Sur’s classes at DU include Audrey Knox, Hollywood literary manager, Sukrit Sen, a professional Sound designer from Kolata, India, Steven Tucker, Trailer editor from Universal Studios, and Joey Tuccio, CEO of Roadmap Writers. These have also directly forged pathways for industry aligned internships for many of Sur’s students. 

University Film and Video Association Annual Conference Prairie View, 2025

Presentation Topic: Interdisciplinary Filmmaking: Developing, Producing, and Distributing Comedy Shorts with STEM Professionals

Queen of Heart - Winner of Best Screenplay (Shorts Category)

Presenters:

  • Roma Sur, University of Denver

  • Jessica McGaugh, Associate Professor, San Diego State University

  • Elisa Hermann, Associate Prof. Sam Houston State University

University Film and Video Association Annual Conference, Georgia Southern University, 2023

Presentation Topic: Womanhood: The Series, Award “Best Short Fiction”

Presenters:

  • Dr. Sheila Shroeder, University of Denver

  • Roma Sur, University of Denver

  • Jessica McGaugh, Associate Professor, San Diego State University

Capstone: Creating Films For Clients

In Sur’s Filmmaking for Clients, Capstone class, in the Spring 2023 quarter, at DU, students worked with Volunteers of Colorado, and DU’s Office of Internationalization, to create promotional video campaigns that are being used by their marketing team. They pitched live to clients, analyzed their marketing needs and created these videos. This was a hands-on experiential learning example that contributed to the portfolio and learning experience of these graduating Seniors.  The VoC film produced in that class, went on to receive the 2024 Telly Bronze in the Promotional Video category.

Students in Sur’s Social Media Production class write and produce campaigns for Instagram and social media platforms, on social issues that are relevant to youth and college life. 

#AtWhatCost,  Post-bing drinking campaign, #Onelessmeal all won the Telly Bronze award. While #Findadamntrashcan won the Telly Gold award. All films can be viewed @du.media