Alejandro Martínez

Alejandro Martinez is a Professor of Latin American Literature and Cinema

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

About

Soy Director General de Estudios Generales, Archivos y Cultura y profesor en la Universidad Diego Portales. Desde este cargo defino la orientación académica e intelectual de los Estudios Generales de pregrado, el Programa Archivos UDP, el área de Cultura y el Programa de Inglés General, articulando formación universitaria, investigación, trabajo archivístico y programación cultural como dimensiones inseparables del quehacer universitario. Con más de siete años de experiencia académica en la Universidad Diego Portales, la Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez y la Universidad de Princeton, cuento con una sólida formación en estudios literarios, visuales, archivísticos y de medios, con un foco particular en la poesía, el cine documental y la animación. Obtuve el doctorado en Español y Portugués en la Universidad de Princeton, donde también codirigí el Princeton University Global Seminar en Chile durante los años 2023 y 2024. Mis investigaciones han sido publicadas en revistas académicas y volúmenes colectivos, y he presentado mi trabajo en numerosos congresos internacionales. Actualmente desarrollo tres proyectos de investigación: uno sobre el papel de la poesía expandida en Chile durante la Guerra Fría; otro sobre los aspectos documentales del cine de animación en América Latina; y un tercero sobre el giro documental en las artes visuales y la literatura latinoamericanas contemporáneas. A través de estas líneas de trabajo, busco iluminar la complejidad de la cultura y los medios en América Latina, y fomentar el diálogo y la colaboración entre académicos, artistas y comunidades.

Experience

  • Universidad Diego Portales (On-site)
    • Director General de Estudios Generales, Archivos y Cultura
      Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    • Director de Archivos y Cultura
      Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

      Como Director de Archivos y Cultura de la Universidad Diego Portales, tengo a mi cargo la definición y conducción de la estrategia institucional que articula el trabajo con archivos, la programación cultural y la participación cultural de la universidad en el espacio público. Este nuevo rol integra el Programa Archivos con la agenda cultural y académica de la Biblioteca Nicanor Parra, consolidando un espacio donde el patrimonio documental, la reflexión crítica y las prácticas artísticas se entrelazan. Entre mis responsabilidades se encuentran la dirección del Programa Archivos—dedicado a la preservación y difusión pública de archivos culturales y políticos de relevancia nacional—y el diseño de exposiciones, ciclos de cine, iniciativas pedagógicas, charlas magistrales, conferencias y actividades culturales que, desde la Biblioteca Nicanor Parra, posicionan a la universidad como un agente activo en la producción cultural y en el debate contemporáneo. Desde esta dirección, busco fortalecer la dimensión pública de la universidad mediante proyectos que articulen rigor académico, compromiso cultural e impacto cívico, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional.

    • Director de Programa Archivos y profesor investigador
      Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

      As the inaugural Director of Programa Archivos at Universidad Diego Portales, I am spearheading our efforts to vitalize and enhance public access to the archives of distinguished Chilean writers, intellectuals, artists, and politicians. Our commitment is evidenced through a range of strategies including research, digitization, publication, and the development of web platforms that facilitate global access. These initiatives not only preserve Chile’s rich documentary wealth but also promote a deep understanding of its cultural and political legacy, thereby strengthening collective memory and critical thinking. In leading this new and dynamic program, I am focused on creating impactful educational and cultural experiences that resonate on both a national and international level.

  • Assistant Professor at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez
    Mar 2022 - Jan 2024 · 1 yr 11 mos

    At Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, I've had the privilege of teaching a diverse range of courses. I've delved into topics such as the exploration of expanded literature and visual arts in Latin America with "Imágenes de lo real," and the ideological influences in animated cinema through "Disney como nunca lo viste." My instructional repertoire includes foundational courses like "Core Literatura y Humanidades" and specialized courses like "Cómo leer una imagen," which examines various mediums, from literature and cinema to emojis and memes. Beyond traditional classroom instruction, I've made significant contributions to university service. I've led co-curricular workshops, including "Taylor Swift: La poesía en la era del pop" and "Luces, Cámaras y…FUEGO! América Latina a través del cine." In line with my dedication to academic development, I've facilitated high school literature courses for prospective university applicants and have been involved as a curriculum developer. Additionally, I've actively participated in the evaluation of proposals. My commitment to enriching academic dialogue is evident in my involvement in organizing and discussing at various conferences and talks. I took a pivotal role in orchestrating a symposium on artificial intelligence and its interdisciplinary challenges and have engaged in in-depth discussions on topics like Violeta Parra's legacy and the impact of climate change as portrayed in animated cinema.

  • Codirector Princeton University Global Seminar in Chile at Princeton University
    Jun 2023 - Aug 2023 · 3 mos

    As Co-director of the Princeton Global Seminar "Images in Transition: Art and Politics in Chile’s Transition to Democracy," I partnered with Professor Javier Guerrero and the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies to facilitate a culturally rich academic program in Santiago, Chile. My key responsibilities included: - Designing and delivering lectures that integrate Chilean political history with visual arts and literature. Managing seminar logistics, including classroom setups, technology needs, and course material preparations. - Organizing and leading cultural excursions, film screenings, and special lectures to deepen students' understanding of Chilean culture and history. - Serving as the primary academic and safety advisor for students throughout the seminar. This role allowed me to merge my expertise in literature with practical insights into the dynamic interplay of art and politics, enriching the educational experience for international students and fostering academic exchange between Chilean institutions and Princeton University.

  • Teaching Assistant at Princeton University
    Sep 2017 - Mar 2022 · 4 yrs 7 mos

    As a Teaching Assistant at Princeton University, I had the privilege of teaching several courses, imparting knowledge and guiding students through their journey in Hispanic literature and culture: - SPA250, "Identity in the Hispanic World," co-taught with Professor Christina Lee (Fall 2020). - SPA107, "Intermediate/Advanced Spanish" (Fall 2019). - SPA319, "Poetics and Politics of Latin American Cinema," preceptor for Professor Javier Guerrero (Fall 2018). Teaching these courses enabled me to refine my pedagogical skills and foster an engaging learning environment. My dedication was acknowledged with the Graduate School Teaching Award in 2021 for my role in SPA250, "Identity in the Hispanic World." This honor is reserved for those who significantly contribute to undergraduate teaching, an achievement made more meaningful amid the challenges of transitioning to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud of my contribution to Princeton's academic community, offering a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the Spanish language, Latin American cinema, and the complexities of cultural identity.

  • Senior Editor at Revista Cantera
    Jan 2014 - Sep 2020 · 6 yrs 9 mos

    As the Senior Editor of Revista Cantera, a leading digital literary magazine, I have been instrumental in promoting both established and emerging voices in literature and literary criticism. Published annually in PDF format, each issue of Cantera focuses on a specific topic, issue, or genre, exploring the diversity and dynamism of the literary field. In my role, I have overseen a wide variety of themes including Latin American poetry, fantasy literature, disease and pandemic times, children's literature, the body, and more. I have taken the lead in curating content that challenges conventions, encourages discourse, and broadens readers' perspectives. My responsibilities have included the coordination and selection of high-quality submissions, ensuring that each issue maintains a balanced representation of renowned writers, artists, and fresh young voices. I have also liaised with contributors, providing editorial guidance and feedback to uphold the high literary standards that our readers expect from Cantera. Moreover, I have played a key role in managing the publication process. Ensuring that each issue is released on time and meets our stringent quality standards requires careful planning, efficient management of resources, and a close collaboration with our internal team and external contributors. Throughout my tenure at Revista Cantera, I have been proud to help nurture a space that fosters literary talent and contributes to the vibrant and diverse literary scene