CLI Alum Charlotte Benchoff: Navigating the World of Language and Culture
The Melikian Center and the Critical Languages Institute serve as prominent destinations for numerous students in the Arizona area. Among these students, one individual stands out not only for her dedication to pursuing her passions and interests but also for being featured in several ASU articles. Charlotte Benchoff, an alumna of the Critical Languages Institute, has been honored with the FLAS scholarship and Undergraduate Fellowship, two scholarships supported by the Melikian Center.
In a recent conversation with Charlotte, I had the opportunity to learn about her current endeavors and her aspirations for the future. Reflecting on her experience at ASU, Charlotte expressed her deep appreciation for the Critical Languages Institute Russian Program. She emphasized the close-knit nature of these departments and the genuine care and support she received from professors and staff.
Charlotte also shared her experience working with Dr. Hoogenboom at ASU, where she collaborated on designing a course focused on Russian Espionage. This collaboration allowed her to gain valuable experience in research and syllabus development. Additionally, she recounted her time in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where she initially had reservations about studying abroad. However, with the encouragement and support of her Russian professors, Dr. Hoogenboom and Dr. Moldabekova, she found the courage to apply and described the experience as truly unforgettable, filled with lasting memories and meaningful connections.
In addition to her studies in the CLI Russian Program, Charlotte is pursuing a major in Film and Media Arts. Her lifelong passion for film is not so much oriented toward film production but rather a deep interest in the study of film theory. She is particularly excited about her Barrett honors thesis, which explores the often overlooked contributions of Early Soviet filmmakers to the French New Wave films of the 1960s. When asked about her favorite Russian filmmaker, she mentioned Nikita Mikhalkov, known for directing and producing the Oscar-winning film "Burnt by the Sun" (1994) and starring in "Siberiade" (1979), another personal favorite.
As Charlotte approaches her graduation from Arizona State University, her future plans remain open-ended. She acknowledges that her time at ASU has helped her discover her passion for film theory rather than film production. She has even written two scripts during her ASU journey, which she may consider sending to production studios. Additionally, Charlotte is exploring the possibility of publishing a book or article on film theory. With the limitless possibilities ahead, Charlotte's future is brimming with potential and exciting opportunities.
Written by: Victor Johnson ~ 2023
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