VISUAL ANTHROPOLOGY - CINEMA

The course allows students interested in documentary filmmaking to deepen their understanding of some of the main methodological, ethical, and aesthetic issues related to the creation of anthropological films. Students will critically reflect on the use of different styles and narrative approaches, including participant observation, interviews, cine-trance, ethno-fiction, the use of music, and collaborations in ethnomusicology. Experimental documentaries made with new media and virtual reality will also be considered, along with discussions on various multimodal, collaborative, and artistic practices (such as photography, animation, and immersive storytelling).
Through an in-depth analysis of the works of directors such as Jean Rouch and David and Judith MacDougall, as well as documentaries made by the instructor, participants will explore issues related to trust, collaboration, and participation with film subjects, especially in challenging contexts such as prison institutions.

Through practical exercises using individual equipment (video cameras, photo cameras, or even their own mobile phones), students will experiment with different methods and approaches in visual anthropology (such as visual observation, interviews, voice narration, etc.), both individually and in groups. The short film projects will be analyzed and discussed in class, encouraging collaboration among all participants.

The aim of the course is to provide a general overview of the theory and methodology of visual anthropology, as well as a basic understanding of all phases of ethnographic video production, including writing a short presentation dossier for their film research project. This document may serve as a useful reference for future applications for documentary production grants.

Attending classes, individual study of the reference literature, individual or collective viewing of ethnographic documentaries, participating in group debates, and especially experimenting with the use of audio-visual tools for creating short ethnographic documentaries will allow students to:

Knowledge and Understanding
Acquire the ability to critically analyze a documentary; critically assess the role of the different senses in ethnographic observation.

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding
Gain basic tools for experimenting with alternative research methods as part of field observation.
Acquire basic tools for developing and creating ethnographic films, visual ethnographic practices, and communicative methodologies in anthropological knowledge.

Judgment
Acquire the basic analytical tools necessary to analyze and evaluate third-party audio-visual productions within anthropological research.

Communication Skills
Through individual and group exercises during the course, students will become familiar with audio-visual communication tools.

Ability to Learn and Create a Personal Visual Ethnographic Research Project
Through the realization of a final film project and a presentation dossier of their own project, students will strengthen their critical thinking and independent research skills.

Participants will benefit from the course if they already have a basic understanding of the main concepts of anthropological theory and basic technical knowledge related to filming and editing, but this is not essential. The course is open to anyone who wants to experiment firsthand and engage with colleagues. The course will be conducted in Italian, but some of the films presented will be in their original language with English subtitles, and some of the texts to be read will be in English, so a basic knowledge of English is preferable.

1) Origins of Documentary and Ethnographic Documentary
The course begins with a discussion on the definition of "documentary" and its potential to explore new stylistic forms in relation to the evolution of cinematic technologies. An analysis of the definitions of "ethnographic film" and how its meaning has changed over time due to the experimentation with innovative stylistic approaches, some of which will be explored throughout the course.

2) The Concept of Gaze and Reflexivity in Visual Anthropology

3) Analysis of the Main Methodological, Ethical, and Aesthetic Issues in Anthropological Filmmaking
An in-depth exploration of issues related to trust, collaboration, power, and participation of film subjects, with a particular focus on difficult contexts such as closed institutions and prisons.

4) Critical Reflection on Different Filmic Styles and Narrative Approaches in Ethnographic Documentary

5) Observational Cinema, Participant Observation, and Collaborations with Ethnomusicology

6) Ethnofiction and Hybrid and Collaborative Cinematic Practices
Special attention will be given to co-creation and mutual influence in the filmmaking process.

7) Interviews, Conversations, and Oral Testimonies
These will be used as tools for research and storytelling, with a particular focus on data collection methods and the representation of subjects' voices.

8) Introduction to Some Multimodal and Artistic Practices
Including photography, illustration, animation, and immersive storytelling.

9) New Media and Virtual Reality Documentaries
A discussion on the implications for storytelling and the agency of both users and research subjects, and how virtual reality is transforming visual anthropology.

10) Practical and Collaborative Approach
Adopting a practical and collaborative approach, where we will work in groups, supporting each other through the research and documentary production stages. This will promote collective learning and the practical application of the theoretical concepts discussed.

11) Writing a Dossier for the Development of a Documentary Project
Learning how to write an effective dossier for developing a documentary project, understanding the importance of clearly and thoroughly presenting the idea, methodology, and objectives.

12) Pitching Techniques
Acquiring the skills necessary to effectively pitch a documentary project, with individual and group exercises to improve the ability to communicate and sell an idea to potential funders or collaborators.

13) Creating a Short Anthropological Documentary
Working on the creation of a short anthropological documentary, covering all stages of the process: ideation, research, development, filming, and editing. Students will experiment with the practical application of the techniques learned throughout the course.

Key Filmmakers and Authors of Reference:

Jean Rouch
David and Judith MacDougall
Paul Henley
Vittorio De Seta
Anna Grimshaw
Rossella Schillaci
Other authors will be selected and introduced during the course

Throughout the course, students will engage in various practical and theoretical activities to assess their learning. The assessment methods include:

Viewing and critical analysis of selected documentaries: Participants will discuss the proposed documentaries in class, exploring stylistic, methodological, and ethical choices.

Creation of short ethnographic documentaries: Students will individually and in groups produce short ethnographic documentaries using their own equipment (cameras, video recorders, smartphones). These works will be analyzed and discussed in class, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.

Pitching and project presentations: Each participant will present and defend their documentary project, developing pitching skills to effectively communicate ideas to an audience or potential funders.

The final project will consist of:

A short documentary (maximum 10 minutes): A practical piece demonstrating the application of the techniques and concepts learned throughout the course.

A project presentation dossier (2-3 pages): A treatment that includes a critical reflection on the stylistic and methodological choices made in the project, as well as the themes addressed, offering an in-depth analysis of the creative process and execution.

written

The grade will be expressed as in other university courses

The course is based on a practical and theoretical approach that encourages active learning and hands-on experimentation. Students are expected to actively participate in all classes and engage in practical ethnographic visual research exercises both individually and in small groups. Collaboration and the creation of cohesive teams are essential, and students are expected to develop the ability to discuss and work together constructively.

Participants will be involved in all stages of the documentary process: from field filming to editing the footage, which will then be discussed in class under the guidance of the instructor. Each phase of the work will be approached practically, allowing students to directly apply the theories and techniques they have learned.

Furthermore, students will work on the development of a final short documentary project, which will guide them through the various stages of production. This will include the ability to pitch their project to the group, write a project dossier, conduct ethnographic research, develop the idea, choose the most suitable methodology, and define their storytelling style. Throughout the course, students will receive feedback from both the instructor and their peers, on the quality of the content as well as the form and technique, thus improving their skills and fostering critical reflection on the creative process and the stylistic and methodological choices. The goal is not only to acquire technical skills but, more importantly, to encourage a process of continuous reflection and improvement.