When Jon Kilik ’78 first dipped his toes into film classes at the University of Vermont, he had no idea it would spark a lifelong career producing some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. Behind this transformative journey was one professor who made a profound and lasting impact - Frank Manchel.

Manchel, a beloved film studies professor at UVM, passed away in December 2023, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual rigor, humor, and an unmatched passion for cinema. For Kilik, Manchel was more than just a professor - he was the spark that opened doors and widened perspectives."I thought I knew movies," Kilik recalls with a chuckle. "But then Frank showed me Citizen Kane - the first time I ever saw it. He introduced me to Fellini, and I realized how little I knew about the classics, foreign films, and the depth of cinema."

Tough but Memorable

Kilik didn’t enter UVM with the intent to become a filmmaker or a film producer. He was, in his own words, fulfilling his liberal arts requirements. However, his curiosity led him to explore film courses, and it was Manchel’s classes that ignited a passion for storytelling on the big screen.

"Frank ran a tough classroom," Kilik remembers. "He made it clear from day one: you’ve got to be really good to get a B, and only God gets an A." But it wasn’t the rigor alone that captured Kilik’s attention - it was the charisma and wit with which Manchel taught. "He had this incredible ability to combine intellect, humor, and passion. He made the classroom feel alive."

Reconnecting Through Film

Kilik’s relationship with Manchel deepened long after he left UVM, following his path into film production. A pivotal moment came in 1989 with the release of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, a groundbreaking film Kilik produced. It was a turning point in Kilik’s career and the moment that rekindled his connection with Manchel.

"That’s when Frank remembered me," Kilik jokes. "I wasn’t exactly a standout student, but after that film, we reconnected, and we stayed close ever since."

Over the years, Kilik frequently returned to UVM, often alongside Manchel, to share his films and experiences with students. They even co-taught a class one summer, an experience Kilik cherishes. "We screened a lot of my films at UVM, and I loved coming back and giving back to the students. If it wasn’t for Frank and the other professors here, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did."

An Enduring Influence

Manchel’s influence extended beyond the classroom. He remained a constant source of critique and inspiration for Kilik, watching at least one film every day until his passing. "Frank would send me and Bob Richardson (the renowned cinematographer who also attended UVM) reviews or critiques almost daily. He always wanted to stay engaged - reading scripts, watching films, and offering his thoughts."

One of Kilik’s fondest memories is of their spirited debates over films. "We didn’t always agree," Kilik says with a smile. "Frank didn’t get The Hunger Games at all. But we’d argue- because we were both confident in our opinions - and it was always intense, in the best way."

A Legacy of Inspiration

In reflecting on the legacy of his former professor, Kilik says, "Frank wasn’t just a mentor in the traditional sense. He opened the door to a world of film I had never imagined. His work ethic, his passion for learning - those are things I still carry with me today."

For today’s students, Kilik offers a piece of advice that echoes the impact Manchel had on him: "Pay attention to the people who challenge you. They might be the ones who help you see the world in a way you never thought possible."

As UVM remembers Professor Frank Manchel, his influence lives on through the countless students he inspired - perhaps none more so than Jon Kilik, whose cinematic contributions have touched audiences worldwide.

Learn More

To make a gift to the Frank Manchel Memorial Fund, which supports the Film and Television Studies Program, please visit this page.