Topics in Non-fiction Media (377-0-20)

Topic

Essay Film

Instructors

Ines Rachel Sommer

Meeting Info

Louis Hall 118: Mon 10:00AM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

Among the reasons why filmmakers have been drawn to the essay film form is its potential for blending fact, fiction, and personal reflection. A constantly evolving and flexible form, essay films often address cultural or historic moments, present a personal point of view, or even wrestle with the filmmaker's family history like in some of Lynne Sachs or Alan Berliner's films. They adopt unconventional, challenging and playful ways of constructing narratives that actively engage the viewer. Students will produce their own essay films in this class and we will watch and discuss examples that might include films by Chris Marker, Agnes Varda, and Johan Grimonprez along with current approaches like video essayist Kevin B. Lee's desktop documentaries.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn to analyze and construct essay films, while sharpening their editing skills and gaining a deeper understanding of film form and creative storytelling strategies that can carry over to future projects in other genres.

Class Materials (Required)

No required text book. Readings will be provided by the instructor via Canvas. Students will need access to Adobe Premiere editing software and their own portable hard drive for editing. Students are welcome to use a drive they've previously used for other classes.