Flipping the script: How an international student is rewriting his story through the Cinema Department

Sota Oba ’27 always had aspirations of becoming a filmmaker, but the Japanese international student didn’t expect he’d realize his dream in upstate New York. In Binghamton University’s Cinema Department, he found a new appreciation for the hidden facets of the film industry — a plot twist that’s allowed him to entirely change the way he sees inventive, inspired filmmaking.

“Binghamton’s film program is really unique,” said Oba, who is majoring in cinema. “And I think it’s kind of rare because it seems all of the film programs, aside from Binghamton, focus on commercialized Hollywood or that kind of thing. But here there is a more avant-garde art focus and experimental cinema.”

Before attending Binghamton, Oba earned his bachelor’s of social work from Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya, Japan. However, Oba has been a lifelong film enthusiast; he grew up “immersed in commercialized cinema” with his go-to rewatches consisting of classic action/adventure flicks from the Star Wars and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchises.

But the differences between the standardized test-based structure of the American and Japanese education systems had previously left his passion for cinema out of reach — until one of his advisors suggested applying to Binghamton due to its prominence in the SUNY system and overall reputation in the country. Oba references Binghamton’s recent accolades, such as being ranked by U.S. News as a top 75 national university and being named by Forbes as a “Top 10 Public Ivy” as what drew him to the institution. The University’s renowned academic reputation has been reflected in his own experiences.

“I was able to meet a lot of really knowledgeable and insightful professors,” he said. “All the professors I met are really friendly and enthusiastic. Passionate for not only cinema, but also students, their future career and campus life. I really appreciate them.”

Since enrolling at Binghamton in fall 2025, Oba has taken advantage of all the equipment and resources at his disposal. The program’s faculty also includes several cinema critics and analysts, who have guided Oba on how to hone his own writing in relation to film.

Beyond the department, Oba has found support in individuals such as Trena Haffenden, a lecturer at the English Language Institute (ELI) with whom he took ELI 218, a class designed to address English speaking, listening, reading and writing competencies among undergraduates transferring from other institutions. Harrenden inspired Soba to intern for ELI, where he uses his editing skills to help create promotional videos for their social media.

Oba said the energy of Binghamton’s campus is freeing and gives him the flexibility to take part in experiences unique to American college culture. Throughout his time at Binghamton, Oba has rarely felt lonely, despite being far from home.

“Maybe I’m lucky, but I’ve never felt homesick,” Oba said. “I think it’s because the environment is really cool and chill, and I like my roommates, suitemates, friends and professors.”

Oba understands, however, that it may take international students a bit of time to feel at home, and he encourages others to always reach out for support if they need it.

“Talk to professors, friends, parents, counselors or Decker Student Health Service; they’re so helpful,” Oba said. “Don’t be hesitant to ask others for help. It’s a different country and culture, with a different language, traditions, habits, etc.”

Oba’s passion is cinema, but his early fascination with sci-fi films has evolved into an academic interest in physics, engineering and mathematics, and he hopes to research the hard science that happens behind the big screen. And while the cinema industry is famously competitive, Oba says it’s important to remain optimistic and be open to taking life in stride.

”A lot of film professors here had other careers first; one worked as a truck driver and one as a baker!” he said. “I want to be a filmmaker, but at the same time, I’m planning to pursue diverse and varied opportunities in the future.”