UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A Penn State alumnus who has crafted a legendary and impactful career in film and television production will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award as the fourth annual Centre Film Festival concludes Nov. 6 at the State Theatre in downtown State College.
Stan Lathan, who grew up in West Philadelphia and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University in 1967, has created and directed everything from groundbreaking public affairs programming to top-ranked network sitcoms and films. He created “Def Comedy Jam” for HBO — which remains one of the most influential artistic projects ever on TV, and perhaps culture in general.
"Our Lifetime Achievement Award winners have always been remarkable Pennsylvanians who have impacted their field. This year is particularly exciting because Stan Lathan is also an alumnus of Penn State," said Pearl Gluck, a festival co-founder and the Donald P. Bellisario Career Advancement Professor in the Department of Film Production. "And it was right here in our college, that his freshman adviser, Arthur Hungerford, a pioneer in educational television in his own right, set Stan on the path to consider media.
"To me, that's a wonderful conglomeration of all things we aim for — intergenerational, inspiring, and multidimensional stories in front of and behind the camera. We are honored to host Stan back at his alma mater and at the festival."
Lathan — a visionary director and producer whose career spans five-plus decades — was one of the original directors of “Sesame Street.”
In 1974, after Redd Foxx demanded a Black director for his hit series, "Sanford & Son," Lathan moved to Hollywood to work with the influential and legendary comedian on the primetime network show. Nearly 50 years later, Lathan remains a driving force in producing and directing sitcoms, specials and variety TV.
When Lathan started in the business, viewing choices were limited to three broadcast networks and, if viewers were lucky, perhaps a public television station. These days he’s developing projects that are streamed on a thin screen or a smart device in someone’s pocket.
For PBS, Lathan directed dance specials with Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham and Mikhail Baryshnikov, and dramas for distinguished series such as "American Playhouse," "The American Short Story" and "Great Performances."
Lathan went on to compile an impressive Hollywood resume with hundreds of directing credits including mainstream network television programs such as "Hill Street Blues," "Eight is Enough," "Remington Steele," "Falcon Crest" and "The Waltons." Lathan was also steadfast in his determination to develop and produce quality African American content. His co-creation of many iconic Black shows like "Martin," "Moesha," "The Steve Harvey Show," "South Central" and "Amen!" helped usher in a new age of diverse comedy sitcoms that were relatable to a long-underserved population.
Lathan launched “Def Comedy Jam” with business partner Russell Simmons in 1991. Lathan produced and directed the Tony Award-winning “Def Poetry Jam” on Broadway. He also directed the hip-hop classic film “Beat Street.”
Lathan has earned three Emmys, a Tony, a Peabody, two Grammys and six NAACP Image award. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors.
Screenings, giveaways, support events and nightly celebrations as part of the Centre Film Festival, which run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6. Along with the in-person screenings, all of which include post-screening question-and-answer sessions, the hybrid festival also supports online screenings.
A full festival schedule may be found online. Tickets for individual screenings or the entire festival may be purchased online or in person. Student tickets are free.
Several films in the festival were made by Penn State alumni and students. Plus, many Penn State students have helped support the festival with creative, organizational and marketing efforts.
The festival is supported by local partners and sponsors who are committed to showcasing Centre County’s growing appeal as a hub for the arts and to building the local economy through the arts.