Leadership in Curriculum Reform for Cinematic Studies Within Broader National Education Priorities

چکیده

Curriculum reform in cinematic studies is increasingly shaped by national education priorities such as employability, digital literacy, cultural heritage preservation, and innovation-driven economic growth. This article examines the role of academic leadership in navigating these priorities while maintaining the artistic and critical integrity of film education. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study first surveyed 312 curriculum leaders and program directors from 18 countries (2020–2024) to quantify leadership practices, reform drivers, and perceived barriers. Follow-up qualitative interviews with 42 purposively selected leaders and analysis of 68 national policy documents then explained the quantitative patterns. Key findings reveal that transformational leadership styles correlate strongly with successful reform (r = .68), yet leaders face persistent tensions between vocational alignment and critical pedagogy. Effective strategies include distributed leadership models, stakeholder co-design processes, data-driven decision-making, and strategic alignment with national policy agendas. The study proposes a leadership framework for cinematic studies reform that integrates national priorities without compromising disciplinary distinctiveness. Results indicate that programs led by leaders who actively bridge policy imperatives and academic values achieve higher graduate employability (average 14% above national benchmarks) and stronger institutional reputation. Institutional leaders and policymakers must treat curriculum reform as a strategic leadership challenge rather than a technical exercise. Without sophisticated leadership, cinematic studies risk marginalization within national education systems or loss of critical identity. This mixed-methods investigation provides evidence-based guidance for film school deans, department chairs, and education policymakers seeking to align cinematic studies with broader national goals while preserving its unique contribution to cultural and creative industries.