In his heartfelt indie film Adjunct, writer-director Ron Najor plays the dual roles of leading actor and filmmaker. The film tells the story of a struggling academic who discovers the precariousness of his place in the academic world. Unassuming yet thought-provoking, Adjunct is a profoundly personal exploration of purpose and resilience in a system that values flexibility over loyalty. The film’s quiet but impactful storytelling resonates especially with anyone who felt they were merely filling a space instead of belonging to it.
Najor, whose own experiences inspired much of the plot, revealed in a Q&A at the Austin Film Festival that the film mirrors his journey through academia. He explained how, while making this film, he was ironically denied tenure at the institution where he had served as an adjunct professor. This anecdote sheds light on the film’s intimate tone and gives Adjunct a sense of authenticity that comes through in every frame.
At the heart of the story is Najor’s portrayal of the adjunct professor—a man whose passion for teaching and writing is both a strength and a vulnerability in a world where dedication does not guarantee security. Najor’s performance is quietly compelling, embodying the unpretentious, subdued character of someone whose ambitions are tempered by the reality of an unstable career. In both his acting and directing, Najor captures the nuanced frustrations of an adjunct faculty member coming to terms with being seen as expendable by the institution he hoped would recognize his value.
The supporting cast adds layers to the narrative, each actor embodying the reality of individuals who orbit around the adjunct’s life. Kristin Erickson and Ross Turner, playing colleagues with whom he shares guarded camaraderie, deliver authentic performances. Meanwhile, Nikohl Boosheri’s portrayal of a promising but uncertain student brings out the lead character’s desire to make a lasting impact—even if he questions the stability of his role. Together, they create a sense of community and longing, underscoring the instability of their academic lives.
Adjunct is a film that stands out for its understated approach, refusing to over-dramatize or overly critique academia. Instead, Najor’s direction leans into restrained realism, allowing viewers to experience the uncertainties of adjunct life with him. There’s a rawness to the cinematography that mirrors the bleak, institutional settings of the college, capturing both the isolation and resilience of its characters in stark but subtle detail. Najor doesn’t inject unnecessary melodrama; instead, he trusts in the power of small, honest moments to tell a larger story of systemic disregard for those who don’t hold tenured positions.
Adjunct is an excellent addition to the Austin Film Festival lineup because of its relevance to conversations about academic precarity and the sacrifices adjuncts make to pursue their passion for education. Najor’s journey from adjunct professor to independent filmmaker adds another layer of irony and hope to the film’s message. It’s as if Najor is saying that even in a system that undervalues him, there are ways to create and tell stories that matter.
Ultimately, Adjunct feels like a gentle but firm critique of an industry that sometimes sacrifices individual dreams for institutional flexibility. Najor’s courageous and practical decision to act in and direct his own story allows the film to deliver a grounded, personal perspective that resonates long after the credits roll. For those attending AFF, Adjunct is worth watching—not only for its relevance but also for the grace and insight with which it tells a familiar yet often overlooked story.