We have been talking about how ethnography is rarely “value free.” Neither is ethnographic film.
Take a look at “Night Mail” and ask how this film might have been different had it been made independently rather than having been funded by “interested” parties.
Here we have one of the first documentary films that features “interviewing.” Do you think the interviewees are “natural”? This is also a good opportunity to begin to deal with issues of representation. How is the subject of housing treated? How are the interviewees themselves treated? Do you think this film violates modern-day ethical standards as promulgated by the IRB? What is the value of looking at this kind of footage today?
Hello everyone,
There is so much potential for those interested in documentary films. Visit this site to learn about the best places to study the subject.
For more information on this event, visit the CofC Calendar for Friday, November 7th. Students will receive extra credit if they attend this event and write a two (2) page summary.