Module Directory

Film festivals have traditionally been global phenomena and played a pivotal role in the film industry ecosystem. In the 21st century, and due to the rise of digital technologies and telecommunications, festivals have become even more important to numerous independent filmmakers who seek routes of distribution (and self-distribution) of their films. The module offers a historical and contemporary examination of the multifaceted role of film festivals in validating, exhibiting and distributing as well as in the process of canonisation of film. While it explores established A-list festivals (such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin), it also looks at ‘smaller’, niche festivals (such as London Asian Film Festival, and London Migration Film Festival) whose number and impact have increased over the years.
 
Through a dynamic combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, group projects, masterclasses, and a field trip, the module will equip students with advanced knowledge of the key roles involved in producing film festivals (directors, curators, juries, audiences, filmmakers). Students who are filmmakers will also gain an understanding of the necessary steps that need to be followed before they get their films screened at festivals as well as of the ways they may capitalise on such opportunities to progress their careers within the film industry.

The aims of this module are:
 
  • To provide a historical and contemporary understanding of the role of film festivals within the film industry ecosystem.
  • To equip students with in-depth knowledge of the workings of and individual roles involved in film festivals.
  • To equip students with fundamental skills in film programming for a film festival.
  • To provide students who are filmmakers an understanding of the processes involved in participating in a film festival as a filmmaker.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
 
 1. Critically evaluate the ways in which film festivals function within the film industry ecosystem.
 2. Display a critical understanding of the workings of and individual roles involved in film festivals.
 3. Show the ability to orally present a film festival proposal.
 4. Curate a film festival programme as a team.
 5. Display the skills and knowledge to develop a comprehensive proposal for a film festival as a team.
 6. Reflect on their individual contributions to the module's assignments and learnings form the module.

This module will be delivered via:

• Two 2-hour lectures per week (Weeks 2-6)
• One 2-hour lectorial or Masterclass per week (Weeks 7-11)
• One full-day Field Trip (Week to be confirmed)
• Independent Study - Screening (Weeks 2-6 and Week 11)
• Independent Study - Reading (Weeks 2-6 and Week 11)

The lectorials will involve a variety of methods and materials – e.g. lectures, group discussions, research-based exercises, etc, which will allow all students to actively participate in class.