Get ready to kick off summer with a jaw-dropping celebration of the 50th anniversary of JAWS where we’ll dive deep into the legacy of Spielberg’s blockbuster—and the real-world sharks that swim beneath the surface. Join Linda DeLibero (Senior Lecturer, Film and Media Studies) for a break down of the film’s iconic storytelling, behind-the-scenes magic, and its ripple effect on pop culture, along with renowned marine biologist and author of Why Sharks Matter, Dr. David Shiffman who will set the record straight on shark science, conservation, and the truth behind these misunderstood apex predators. From John Williams’ unforgettable score to surprising shark facts, this discussion will offer new insights for movie lovers and shark enthusiasts alike.
Dr. David Shiffman is an interdisciplinary conservation scientists who studies threatened species of sharks and how to protect them. In addition to his JHUP book "Why Sharks Matter," his writings have appeared in National Geographic, Scientific American, the Washington Post, nationally syndicated op-eds, and a monthly column in SCUBA diving magazine. He has given invited professional lectures, many based on "Why Sharks Matter," on all seven continents. He is one of the most-followed scientists in the world on social media, and invites you to follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky @ WhySharksMatter, where he's always happy to answer anyone's questions about sharks.
Linda DeLibero is the Senior Lecturer and Special Advocate for Alumni and Outreach in the Film and Media Studies program at Johns Hopkins University, where she teaches film history and aesthetics. She was director of the film program from 2001-17 and served as Co-Director of the JHU-MICA Film Centre from 2015-18. She received an MA in the Writing Seminars at JHU in 1989 and has published on film, media and cultural studies since 1990 in a wide range of publications, including ASAP/Journal, Raritan, Book Forum, The Hopkins Review, The Village Voice, VLS, The Boston Review, In These Times, and Newsday. Her monthly podcasts on film can be heard on Dan Rodericks’ Roughly Speaking, located on the Baltimore Sun website.
Event DateFriday, June 20, 2025Start Time: 12:00pm EDTEnd Time: 1:00pm EDT
Hopkins at HomeLivestream
ContactOffice of Alumni RelationsJoe LetourneauLifelong Learning(800) JHU-JHU1hopkinsathome@jhu.edu
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