FILM STUDIES

Through the study and analysis of film texts, and through practical exercises in film production, the film course develops students’ critical abilities and their appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical and global perspectives in film. Students examine film concepts, theories, practices and ideas from multiple perspectives, challenging their own viewpoints and biases in order to understand and value those of others.

At the core of this course lies the need for creative exploration and innovation. Students are challenged to acquire and develop critical thinking, reflective analysis and the imaginative synthesis that is achieved through practical engagement in the art, craft and study of film.

The DP film course aims to develop students as proficient interpreters and makers of film texts. Through the study and analysis of film texts, and practical exercises in film production, students develop critical abilities and appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical and global perspectives in film. They examine concepts, theories, practices and ideas from multiple perspectives, challenging their own views to understand and value those of others. Students are challenged to acquire and develop critical thinking, reflective analysis and the imaginative synthesis through practical engagement in the art, craft and study of film.

Students experiment with film and multimedia technology, acquiring the skills and creative competencies required to successfully communicate through the language of the medium. They develop an artistic voice and learn how to express personal perspectives through film. The course emphasizes the importance of working collaboratively, international and intercultural dynamics, and an appreciation of the development of film across time and culture.

The aims of the Film course are to enable students to:

• explore the various contexts of film and make links to, and between, films, filmmakers and filmmaking techniques (inquiry)
• acquire and apply skills as discerning interpreters of film and as creators of film, working both individually and collaboratively (action)
• develop evaluative and critical perspectives on their own film work and the work of others (reflection).

Students will complete the following four assessments:

• Textual analysis (20%): Students will complete a written analysis of a prescribed film text based on a chosen extract (lasting no more than five minutes). Students will consider how the cultural context of the film and a variety of film elements create meaning in the chosen extract.
• Comparative study (20%): Students will carry out research into a chosen area of film focus, identifying and comparing two films from within that area and presenting their discoveries as a recorded multimedia comparative study.
• Film portfolio (25%): Students will undertake a variety of film-making exercises in three film production roles, led by clearly defined filmmaker intentions. They will acquire and develop practical skills and techniques through participation in film exercises, experiments and the creation of at least one completed film.
• Collaborative film project (35%): Bringing together all they have encountered during the film course, students will work collaboratively in a core production team to plan and create an original completed film.