Symposium: Issues in RTVF (398-0-23)

Topic

Curatorial Practices

Instructors

Ines R Sommer-Simpson

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 109: Tues 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

In this course, students will explore what goes into curating, organizing and promoting film screenings and festivals, with the goal of producing a public event as culminating class group project. In the past, students have curated e.g. thematic events featuring short independent films from the Chicago area and even a Northwestern student film festival. We will discuss audience engagement, distribution, and outlets (streaming, broadcast, and brick-and-mortar) for independent films and will interview programmers, who work for festivals, movie theaters, micro cinemas, or cinematheques. Students will come away with a solid understanding of the distribution and exhibition phase, allowing them to navigate that landscape more successfully as independent filmmakers and potentially as programmers. In addition to the class group project, students will also develop an individual proposal for an event or series that can encompass a wide range of work (film, audio, new media).

Learning Objectives

Students will leave the course with a portfolio that includes their interview with a programmer, a written proposals for an event or series, and documentation of a successfully realized public event that they collaboratively curated and produced.

Evaluation Method

Students will be evaluated based on individual assignments, the culminating group project, CANVAS discussion contributions on readings or screenings, and class participation.

Class Materials (Required)

There is no required textbook and regular readings will be provided via CANVAS.