Indigenous Documentary: Exploring Ethics and Narration (10op)

Osaamistavoitteet

After completing the course, students can
• recognize the methods of documentary filmmaking and their history, considering their ethical, epistemic, and aesthetic dimensions.
• critically evaluate their othering content
• understand how the Arctic environment shapes narratives, identities, and ethical considerations, including the aspects of the eco-cinema
• plan, write and direct a creative short documentary project that explore and reinterpret contemporary Arctic Indigenous perspectives.

Sisältö

This course explores the ethics and aesthetics of documentary filmmaking with a focus on Arctic Indigenous perspectives, in a context where the Arctic environment shapes narratives, identities, and frames ethical considerations. The course examines different modes of documentary storytelling, their historical background, and how these techniques have historically represented “the other,” often reflecting colonial assumptions and power structures. Emphasizing both the ethical and aesthetic dimensions of documentary filmmaking, the course encourages students to develop new forms of documentary film that explore and reinterpret contemporary Arctic Indigenous perspectives and experiences.

Arviointikriteerit, tyydyttävä (1)

Evaluation criteria 1-2
Participation in the course is very low. Performance is narrow, superficial, or poorly matched to assignment. The performance is limited to listing things of documentary film directing and narration. Execution may contain errors or ambiguities.

Arviointikriteerit, hyvä (3)

Evaluation criteria 3-4
Participation in the course is regular. Performance corresponds to assignment, demonstrates under-standing and the ability to analyze and justify. Basic understanding and skills in documentary film directing and narration is formed, but there may be shortcomings

Arviointikriteerit, kiitettävä (5)

Evaluation criteria 5
Participation in the course is active. The performance outlines a broad entity and the knowledge and skills in documentary film directing. Performance demonstrates independent grip and insight. Performance is an intact entity that includes justified self-thinking or critical reflection. The assignments and final works are well performed.

Oppimateriaalit

Preliminary study materials

Henley, P. The adventure of the real: Jean Rouch and the craft of ethnographic cinema. 2009

Knopf, K.  Decolonizing the lens of power: Indigenous films in North America. 2008

Pereira, A. Re-enactment as social action: The Making of Encierro. 2022

Rony, F. T. The Third Eye: Race, Cinema, and Ethnographic Spectacle. 1996.

Trinh, T. M. Framer framed. London: Routledge, 1992.

Lisätiedot

The first and second year of master studies

Toteutustavat

1. Section: Lectures and exercises 56 hours and independent work for 79 hours.
2. Section: production meetings and guidance 14 hours and independent directing work 121 hours
Teaching profile: Combination: Face-to-Face and hybrid

Suoritustavat

Active participation in the lectures, successful completion of assignments and analyses, a learning diary 5 cr. and directing a creative short documentary independently or within a pair fulfill course to 10 cr.