Documentary filmmakers engage with the world by representing it in a myriad of subjective ways. This course will focus on cross-cultural issues surrounding representation in documentary filmmaking, both in front of and behind the camera. Through film productions, screenings, texts, and discussions, this course will explore the central question of “who has the right to tell whose story, and why?” Each student will produce, direct, shoot, and edit two 3-5 minute documentary films. One film must be set within their own cultural sphere, while the other must be set outside of it. Upon completion of these films, each student will either write an 8-10 page final paper or prepare a presentation that reflects on their experience making these films. Their films and final essays/presentations will probe the ethical questions of “how should we speak to you about us?” on the one hand, and “how should we speak about them to you?” on the other hand. Students will investigate their own relationship to the role and function of the filmmaker, a mediator of “reality,” and the influence of that mediation on public discourse on local, national and international issues.
On a practical level, each student will learn the basics of how to produce a documentary short using various modes and genres. They will place their experience making these films in the context of contemporary issues surrounding race, ethnicity, gender, age, national and regional identity, social issues, and events. On a more theoretical level, they will write about and discuss ethical issues surrounding ethnography, informed consent, empathy, ideology, authorship, cinematography, editing, and distribution. They will also discuss the cultural contexts for the films they screen, why they were made, what they tell us about the social concerns of the period, and the theoretical questions they raise. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation to creatively bring stories from the world we all share to life, as well as a critical and visceral understanding of representation in documentary filmmaking.
Distribution Area: CD or LA
Other Requirements
Open to first year undergraduates only.
