Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will learn about the craft of documentary directing through a variety of thematic features, techniques and workshops. Students will develop their own directorial voice and expression, as well as experiencing to work on less familiar approaches.  

Students will learn fundamental aspects of the field of documentary directing such as project development tools, narrative and storytelling techniques, documentary dramaturgy, questions of point of views, voice, style, etc. Students will be able to apply the outcomes of the course in the design of their MA film work.

Credits: 4

Schedule: 25.01.2021 - 19.02.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Arturo Delgado Pereira, Saara Saarela

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Arturo Delgado Pereira, Saara Saarela

Contact information for the course (valid 02.01.2021-21.12.2112):

Arturo Delgado

arturo.delgado@aalto.fi

Saara Saarela

saara.saarela@aalto.fi

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    This workshop features varying content, alternating between “docufiction” and “narrative documentary”. 

    The “docufiction” workshop will explore filmmaking approaches that call into question the traditional categories of “fiction” and “documentary”: hybrid films, documentary re-enactments, improvisational fictions, narrative provocations, performative documentaries, etc. In the “docufiction” course the students will gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in directing hybrid works, exploring its narrative, formal and aesthetic possibilities and creating synergies between fiction and documentary filmmakers.  

    The “narrative documentary” course will have a special focus on documentary dramaturgy, storytelling and narrative techniques used in the documentary mode. The workshop will follow the general learning outcomes of the course and will allow students to apply their findings into the development of their film projects, which will be the focus of the course.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This workshop-style course will explore filmmaking approaches that call into question
    the traditional categories of “fiction” and “documentary”: hybrid films, documentary re-enactments, improvisational fictions, narrative provocations, performative documentaries, fact / true event based fiction, etc. The goal of this course is to explore the narrative and formal possibilities of hybrid works, gain hands on experience in directing hybrid works, and creating
    synergies between fiction and documentary filmmakers.  The method we try to open up is based on observation and intuition when generating ideas to films. In addition to the formalistic approach, we also want to discuss how these kinds of processes can be generated when financing is so much based on prewritten projects. We will both look at contemporary works as well as analyse the genealogy of some of these “docu-fictional” approaches.  

    The course will include lectures, discussions and case studies from guests of different background and points of view, all connecting one way or the other to the mechanisms used in hybrid forms.

    During the course the students will also participate in a 3-day practical workshop by actress / impro pedagogue Hanna Lekander, who will instruct both documentary and fiction directors into methods of using improvisation as a tool in directing people in front of the camera. 

    Docpoint screenings and discussions will also be integrated in the course, regarding the current situation.

    Students will get to produce a short (about 1 -10 min) audio-visual exercise (independently or in teams) that puts into practice their findings throughout the course. These “free of form” filmic exercises will be screened and discussed.


Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Teaching will be based on hands-on creative exercises, lectures, film screenings , discussions and development of MA film project. Teaching will take advantage of the masterclasses and workshop opportunities provided by the DocPoint Festival, as well as guest speakers.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Min 80% participation, all given assignments submitted, participation in discussions and feedback sessions.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Lectures: 35-60h
    Workshops/Independent study: 156-181h

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This year the course will be organised in hybrid: partly in contact, partly on zoom and partly the course work consists individual or team work in form of the filmic excercise.

    See more detailed schedule on course main page.



DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Course material related to theme. 

Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Can substitute course ELO-E3500 MA Courses with Varying Content (Directing)