Film Studies 597A - ST-Cinemas/Confluence&Alliance

How can film foster empathy? Bridge difference? Inspire dedication to the dreams, endeavors, and struggles of others? In this course, we explore a selection of international films that engage themes of community, solidarity, and partnerships for social justice, environmental advocacy, intersectional alliance, and other collective efforts to achieve a common good or address a prevailing ill. We investigate the potential for narrative fiction film, documentary, video art, and other media to challenge ideas of self and other and imagine new modes of reflection, representation, and agency. Concepts of selfhood and otherness, questions of empathy, relationship, community and allyship, and such issues as equity, ethics and ecology will frame our discussions.
Open to graduate students and advanced undergraduate students. UMass Amherst Undergraduate Film Certificate Categories: II, IV, V
FILM STUDIES MAJOR IN BDIC CATEGORY: Elective