Course overview
Asian Film Studies focuses on cinematic output from the Asian region, an increasing force in global media production. It develops understandings of the particular modes of popular screen media content emerging from Asia. The course identifies the growing body of film studies literature that focuses on Asia's changing engagement with the cinema. It draws on ideas of cultural and geographic proximity to illustrate the increasingly dynamic sphere of Pan-Asian collaboration in film production and distribution. The course also investigates Australian involvement in the Asian film industry through co-productions, shooting locations, funding agreements and as a post-production hub. Themes of localisation, nationalism and globalisation are explored within the context of popular and independent cinema. The course includes video production activities aimed toward a better understanding of the cinematic techniques and auteur styles found in Asian film.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development and current trends in Asian film
- Identify various modes of cinematic production and distribution at the national and global levels
- Recognise how film industries operate within the political and cultural contexts of the region
- To recognise and explain differences in local, regional and global responses to Asian film
- Acquire practical skills in different cinematic practices and techniques relevant to Asian film
- Have an understanding of how film projects national agendas and identities beyond state borders
- Identify and critically engage with a variety of content-based film and media theories and can confidently deploy selected methods of analysis