National Cinema (351-0-20)
Topic
Mexican & Central American Cinema
Instructors
Nathaniel Andrew Rossi
Meeting Info
Helmerich Auditorium: Mon 3:00PM - 5:50PM
Overview of class
This course is an examination of the recent past and contemporary Mexican and Central American cinema. We will begin with the emergence of the Nuevo Cine Mexicano (New Mexican Cinema) movement that began in earnest around the time of the release of Guillermo del Toro's Cronos (1993). In addition to exploring other Nuevo Cine filmmakers, such as Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzales Iñárritu, we will also cover the growing number of contemporary feminist filmmakers from Mexico, such as Issa López and Tatiana Huezo, whose films have found global success and recognition. In the final few weeks of class, we will examine the emergence of a Central American Cinema. Central to our discussions will be an interrogation of the concept of Mexican and Central American cinema as "national" or "regional" cinemas, consideration of the effects of globalization on Mexican and Central American film industries and cultures, an exploration of transnational film culture and audiences, the role of "filmmaker as activist," and an examination of the relationship between memory, state violence, and visual cultures. Themes of migration, displacement, and Indigeneity will also be emphasized.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives include:
• Discuss how prominent themes in Mexican and Central American cinema relate to particular historical moments, industrial factors, and cultural beliefs and values
• Evaluate the role of contemporary Mexican and Central American filmmakers and their responses to current social, political, and environmental crises
• Read and understand challenging critical and historical arguments about Mexican and Central American cinema
• Gain textual analysis or close-reading skills; Use these skills in a final paper or other creative project
Teaching Method
Seminar
Evaluation Method
Attendance, discussion posts, final paper/creative project
Class Materials (Required)
I, Rigoberta Menchú: An Indian Woman in Guatemala, by Rigoberta Menchú
ISBN: 978-1844674183
Price: $24.95
Class Notes
Films will be shown in Spanish with english subtitles; Course will be conducted in English