Hugh Cohen
…is the person who inspired me to write the book Cinema Ann Arbor. He was an engaging, passionate teacher and often-opinionated expert on film, literature, music, wine, sports, politics, travel, and so much more. Most of all he was a dear friend, generous with his time and encouragement to myself and generations of University of Michigan students. Still teaching at the age of 93 when he left us in March 2024, his passing created a void in my heart that can never be filled. This page is a small tribute to a very great man.
Audio Interview <click to Play>
In December 2016 I interviewed Hugh about how he came to Ann Arbor and got involved in the campus film scene. Highlights include the story of his 1967 arrest for showing Jack Smith’s Flaming Creatures, working with Pauline Kael as a juror at one of the first Ann Arbor Film Festivals, his 1973 encounter with Frank Capra, and helping to launch the University of Michigan’s film studies program.
Photo credits: B/W shot of Hugh with microphone by John Valadez, 2022; color frame grab from ONCE Kittyhawk film (ca. 1968) by Doug Rideout; 1967 AAPD mugshot and 1959 B/W photos of Hugh and Rosie at home courtesy Julian Edelstein; recent color photos 2020-2023 by the author.