Course Resources Archive

This module brings together recent critical and theoretical debates relating to film curating, exhibition and the constantly evolving world of art cinema, in order to explore the role of the ‘art house’ venue in a digital age that is already transforming the traditional notion of cinema.

With particular attention to the increasing presence of the moving image across a variety of alternative, temporary and virtual sites of exhibition, from museums and art galleries to community centres, film societies and digital media platforms, this module considers the importance of the ‘independent’ film sector to new understandings of the audience, film distribution networks and cross-arts practice within the contemporary art film scene. For many decades, "art cinema" has defined how audiences, critics and filmmakers alike have imagined film outside of the mainstream multiplex: with the ‘edgy’ guerrilla filmmaking practices of the underground cinema or the aesthetic innovations of the “foreign film” and the American “indie” offering a radically different approach to that of conventional Hollywood. But what are the implications of more recent technological developments for 'alternative' Digital Film Production, and who are the audiences for such work? What are its artistic and economic values? And what are the key characteristics involved in the design and marketing of an ‘art house’ programme for a contemporary audience? This module will thus provide students with a historical, theoretical and practical overview of those pioneering production/distribution/exhibition practices that are taking place beyond the parameters of the commercial film industry.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of ‘alternative’ distribution and exhibition policies for independent cinema and cross-arts venues

2. Demonstrate the ability to differentiate between avant-garde, experimental, and independent film practices and the ‘mainstream’

3. Demonstrate an understanding of regional and national funding agencies and the role of the local authority arts officer in relation to community education and outreach policies

4. Demonstrate an awareness of the current situation with regard to curatorial practice in the independent film and visual arts sector

5. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the historical, creative and economic context of art-house cinema and independent filmmaking

6. Formulate ‘specialised’ marketing and programming strategies for culturally diverse audiences and venues, including film festivals, museums and commercial arts venues, film societies and temporary exhibition spaces

7. Formulate effective community education and outreach strategies for a broad range of visual media artefacts, including the archive film, short films, and artists’ moving image.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.