Global Film Industries

This module is designed as an overview of Global Film Industries for MA Global Creative and Cultural Industries students who may or may not have a background in Film Studies.

The module will focus on approaching film languages and film industries from a decolonised perspective, paying particular attention to important films, filmmakers, and film industries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, and to moments of radical rupture within mainstream film culture (particularly in relation to gender).

The module will also introduce important concepts and ideas in film and screen media theory (e.g. Third Cinema, the gaze, convergence) which will give students wanting to continue in Film Studies a grounding that will help them to prepare for writing their MA dissertations (and possibly even go on to PhD research).

Students will have the opportunity to discuss with the convenor and guest speakers their experience in the practical dimensions of film, from audiovisual criticism and filmmaking to film festival organisation and curation. Exclusive pre-recorded interviews with film industry practitioners and scholars from around the world also form a key part of the module's offerings.

Assessment is constituted of both formal essays and more creative options (e.g. audiovisual essays, films etc).

Objectives and learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to

• Understand the history of film in the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly in terms of where and how both 'major' and 'minor' film industries have arisen and taken shape, and in relation to how different technologies of production and distribution affect these industries
• Understand certain key theories within Film Studies
• Closely analyse films and use the correct vocabulary when doing so
• Use different contemporary methodologies for writing and thinking about film, including new “creative” research methodologies such as audiovisual criticism and filmmaking

Workload

A 2-hour in-person seminar per week, plus engagement with pre-recorded lectures and interviews, and essential reading before the seminar.

Method of assessment

• 1,000 word written essay or 5-10 minute audiovisual essay (worth 30% of marks)
• 2,000 word written essay or 10-20 minute audiovisual essay (worth 70%)

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.