Shaping Contemporary Film Culture B: Themes in Film Festivals

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 7
• Convenor: Dr Janet McCabe (subject to change)
• Assessment: festival diary of 3000 words (100%)
  

In this module we explore film festivals as a source of curatorial knowledge, helping you develop a critical understanding of festival programming practice. We will examine film festivals from the perspective of the curator particularly the dynamic, creative and dialogic relationship between film and the audience.

You will gain first-hand experience of an international film festival, with an accredited trip to the Edinburgh International Film Festival (held in June), as well as the chance to work as a group with BFI Education in creating an event for the London International Film Festival (held in October).

The trip to the Edinburgh International Film Festival is a mandatory element of this module. You will be responsible for covering the cost of transport to Edinburgh and accommodation during your stay, as well as festival accreditation, unless otherwise stated.

Indicative syllabus

• History and context of festivals
• Ideas of location, place and experience
• Spatial and temporal constraints under which a film festival happens
• Practical implications of assembling a festival programme
• The afterlife of films and the implications of inclusion at festival