Course code:
Production modes, market concerns, and privilege of access, in addition to the greater concerns of racism, sexism, classism and other social biases have all historically contributed to the predominance of a narrow range of cinematic voices being experienced by most audiences. But from the dawn of cinema there have been those working on the edges to realize visions that speak to many modes of otherness and to different manners of being, of belonging. In this class we will investigate a range of diverse moving image works and engage with texts that help contextualize and elucidate the works and the creative impulses/individuals behind them. The roster of movies viewed this term will be chosen collaboratively from a curated list by the group at the beginning of the term so as to most effectively engage with the particular interests of this configuration of students; choices include (but are not limited to) films and videos made by and about members of the following communities: LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, seniors, economically disadvantaged, homeless, people with disabilities, people of faith, Inuit, Roma, Sami, Maya, Palawan, Amhara, African diaspora, Indigenous peoples of the US and Australia. Focus will be primarily on narrative forms, but some works with experimental aspects may be featured. Potential filmmakers include: Samira Makhmalbaf, David Gulpilil, Cheryl Dunye, Tony Gatlif, Euzhan Palcy, Haile Gerima, Mati Diop, Derek Jarman. Students will be evaluated on their participation in class discussions and on two papers written over the course of the term. In these papers students will be asked to demonstrate a balance between research into a group of works of their choosing and exploration of their own aesthetic and emotional responses to these works.
Prerequisites:
None.
Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.
