"An ethnographic film is a non-fiction film, often similar to a documentary film, historically shot by Western filmmakers and dealing with non-Western people, and sometimes associated with anthropology."
How to create films that reflect and represent the culture and lived experience of a group of people.
Culture: Understanding the concept of culture and its relevance to ethnographic filmmaking.
Anthropological theories: Familiarizing oneself with key theoretical frameworks within anthropology and how they shape ethnographic research.
Methods of ethnographic research: Exploring the various methods and techniques used in ethnographic research, such as participant observation, interviews, and surveys.
Ethics: Understanding the ethical considerations involved in conducting ethnographic research and representing subjects in visual media.
Storytelling: Grasping the art of telling stories through film and the role of storytelling in ethnographic filmmaking.
Film language and aesthetics: Familiarizing oneself with film language, aesthetics, and the creative choices involved in the visual representation of ideas and stories.
Camera and sound equipment: Understanding the technicalities involved in shooting and recording footage and sound.
Post-production: Learning the technical skills involved in film editing, i.e., arranging footage, sound mixing, color correction, and adding titles.
Film festivals: Exploring the world of film festivals and the significance of submitting films to festivals.
Distribution: Understanding the opportunities and challenges involved in the distribution of ethnographic films, such as online platforms and broadcasting networks.
Observational Cinema: Observational cinema is a traditional approach to ethnographic filmmaking that emphasizes the process of observation and documentation. It is characterized by long shots and a focus on everyday life.
Reflexive Cinema: Reflexive cinema is a self-conscious form of ethnographic filmmaking that highlights the role of the filmmaker in the creation of the film. It includes interviews with the filmmaker and the subjects of the film.
Participatory Cinema: Participatory cinema involves collaboration between the filmmaker and the subjects of the film. The subjects have an active role in the creation and direction of the film.
Interactive Cinema: Interactive cinema uses digital technology to create interactive experiences for the viewer. Viewers can use computers, phones, or other devices to manipulate the narrative and explore the content of the film.
Experimental Cinema: Experimental cinema focuses on the form and style of filmmaking rather than the subject matter. It often incorporates non-linear narratives, abstract imagery, and unconventional sound design.
Poetic Cinema: Poetic cinema emphasizes the use of metaphors, symbolism, and visual imagery to create an emotional response in the viewer. It often uses a nonlinear narrative structure and requires the viewer to interpret the meaning of the film.
Advocacy Cinema: Advocacy cinema is a form of documentary filmmaking that advocates for social or political change. It often focuses on issues such as human rights, environmentalism, and social justice.
Postmodern Cinema: Postmodern cinema is characterized by a self-awareness of the medium of film and often incorporates elements of parody or pastiche. It challenges traditional representations of reality and questions the role of the viewer in the construction of meaning.
Art Cinema: Art cinema is a genre of film that emphasizes aesthetic qualities over popular appeal. It often includes unconventional storytelling techniques, philosophical themes, and an emphasis on the visual aspects of the film.
"Some academics claim it is more documentary, less anthropology, while others think it rests somewhere between the fields of anthropology and documentary films."
"Definitions of the term are not definitive."
"Anthropologist and ethnographic filmmaker David MacDougall."
"Ethnographic films cannot be said to constitute a genre."
"Ethnographic film-making is not a discipline with unified origins and an established methodology."
"Since the first conference on ethnographic film was held at the Musée de l'Homme 30 years ago."
"The term has served a largely emblematic function, giving a semblance of unity to extremely diverse efforts in the cinema and social sciences."
"Ethnographic films are often shot by Western filmmakers."
"Ethnographic films deal with non-Western people."
"Ethnographic films are sometimes associated with anthropology."
"Some academics claim it is more documentary, less anthropology."
"Others think it rests somewhere between the fields of anthropology and documentary films."
"The genre has its origins in the colonial context."
"Anthropologist and ethnographic filmmaker David MacDougall wrote in a 1978 paper."
"Ethnographic film-making is not a discipline with unified origins and an established methodology."
"The term has served a largely emblematic function, giving a semblance of unity to extremely diverse efforts in cinema and social sciences."
"The term 'ethnographic film'."
"Ethnographic film-making is not a discipline with unified origins and an established methodology."
"Since the first conference on ethnographic film was held at the Musée de l'Homme 30 years ago."