Film & Media: Introduction to World Cinema (Free London Taster)

This is a introductory session for anyone who enjoys cinema and would like to study the subject in more detail. We will focus on extracts from different areas of the world including the successful cinema of Hollywood, and a range of alternatives from European cinema to African and Asian films. The diversity of extracts means that students may well be introduced to new work, and the subjects will provide lots of opportunity for discussion.

The tutor will facilitate this discussion and introduce the extracts with reference to key concepts from Film Studies. These ideas range from debates about the influence of the director and genre to the importance of the context in which the film was made. In addition, key concepts of film form will be applied to the extracts from types of camera shot to editing patterns. The session is designed to help students become more familiar with many elements of film form.

There is lots of scope for sharing reactions to the films shown, and students are encouraged to develop their understanding by reading selected reviews and contributions from film history and film journalism. Key reviews will be made available through Canvas to supplement our work and discussion in class.