In the last twenty years there has been an enormous technological change in the way film is viewed, made and experienced. This course presents an opportunity to examine the impact of technological, cultural and aesthetic elements on film and cinema industry. It will allow students close up and extended experience of film, both Australian and other cultures. This course will give an opportunity for post-graduate students to not only broaden the range of film but also a conceptual understanding of the cinema experience through different films that have quite varied cultural, theoretical and historical and critical perspectives. International perspective on the positioning of film in the global media

The course takes advantage the NFSA’s programming strategy of ‘best practice’ in film through their various film festivals. The large cinema format is integral to the experience of the course and films will be viewed in the 250 seat Arc Theatre of the NFSA. Students will be required to attend the nominated screening season, any associated NFSA seminars and lectures as well as online discussion through the ANU Wattle website.

Student should be able to:

1. Recognize the different interpretative frameworks and value systems that inform the understanding of film in various social and cultural discourses; as well as the reception and distribution of minority cinema.

2. Identify the importance of major technical and production elements such as camera-work, lighting and sound in the context of aesthetic and cultural considerations.

3. Recognize and link creative production with theoretical and critical knowledge by utilizing film as an adjunct source to print and visual material to carry out self directed and independent research.

4. Demonstrate ability at a high level of communication.

• Contribute of 1000 words to online discussions and reflections during intensive (15%) Summative as well as Formative [LO 1, 3 and 4]
• 3000 word essay (or equivalent: film, audio, music/sound etc) (70%) Summative {LO1,2, 3 and 4]
• Class presentation to be recorded, due one month after the Festival (15%) Summative [LO 3 and 4]

In line with general workload expectations at ANU students are expected to spend 120 hours to meet the study and assessment requirements of this six-unit course. The pre-intensive activities requires 10 hours over 2 weeks (1 hour online discussion and 4 hours independent reading/research each week); the intensive is 10 hours approximately (depending on festival program) contact with 5 hours of that week non-contact reflective writing (15 hours); seminars NFSA (3 hours), ANU 2x3hr seminars (6 hours); presentation day (6 hours) with remaining hours spent in producing for assessment submission.

Attendance at screenings is mandatory.

For undergraduate students: Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis, taking into account all relevant academic qualifications. If you hold more than one qualification, admission will be based on your overall record. Tertiary qualifications are generally weighted more heavily than secondary. If you have completed an approved tertiary preparation course or alternative entry scheme, you will be assessed on the results of that scheme alone, unless you have undertaken subsequent study.

For post graduate students: completion of an undergraduate degree of not less than three years study at a recognized university or higher education provider, or approved professional experience.

Word-processing skills and online research skills

Prescribed texts will be developed depending on the film program and will be available on the Wattle site.

Access to broadband internet for online discussion. The films are to be shown at the ARC Cinema at the NFSA