Module manager: Rachel Johnson
Email: r.johnson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores the practice and theory of film programming. - What are the decisions that are made and the actions that are taken to bring films to audiences at theatres, film festivals and film archives? - How does the way in which films are presented impact an audience's understanding and appreciation of the material?- In an era when practically any film is available at the click of a button, what is the role of the film curator? How does the curator, in selecting, highlighting and contextualising material add value to the work? The module will encourage students to think about these questions, introducing them to the ways in which these issues have been explored by cultural theorists, film scholars and film professionals. The final part of the module will then challenge the students to apply what they have learnt to the curation of their own hypothetical film programmes, accompanied by programme notes and a critical commentary outlining their rationale. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The aim of this module is to:
- introduce students to the core practical and intellectual issues related to film programming and curating for cinemas and festivals.
- investigate historical and contemporary developments and innovations in film programming and exhibition.
- introduce students to new research and scholarship in film studies related to film festivals and film exhibition.
- teach students how to develop and curate their own stimulating, intellectually and thematically coherent research-based film programmes for cinemas and film festivals.
1. Discuss and analyse the practical and intellectual issues related to film programming and film exhibition
2. Identify and appraise historical and contemporary innovations in cinema exhibition and an understanding and awareness of recent scholarship on the subject.
3. Curate a stimulating, intellectually and thematically coherent film programme with a clear rationale informed by research into film history
4. Appraise the cultural, intellectual, artistic and economic significance of the phenomenon of film programming
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Develop a well-structured and evidence-based argument that is informed by relevant scholarly and public debates
6. Communicate effectively and clearly ideas and information
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in Session | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 160 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students progress will be monitored on a regular basis via classroom participation, group discussions and presentations (formative). Students will also be given formal feedback on their first assignment. This feedback will help them to produce their final project report.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Coursework | Critical commentary on film programme | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team