Documenting the Self - Reflective Documentary Film Directing - BMEGT43X003

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Express artistic vision with an ethical and humanistic perspective • Develop an introspective approach to filmmaking, turning the camera on themselves • Apply an intentional structure, theme, point of view, and visual style to shoot a short documentary • Conduct archival research using various methods • Work collaboratively and independently in a professional manner • Communicate their creative vision clearly and effectively to their team • Contribute meaningfully to others’ projects • Justify their directorial choices with well-reasoned arguments • Confidently operate key technical tools, including camera, tripod, audio equipment, and editing software • Anticipate potential production challenges and develop practical solutions • Transform personal experiences into compelling cinematic narratives • Inspire critical thinking through their work • Accept and implement constructive feedback while maintaining artistic integrity • Develop a documentary concept into an engaging short film

1. Basic knowledge of social institutions (law, language, religion, etc.)
2. Basic knowledge of social science methodologies
3. Solid knowledge of conceptualization for studying communication and media phenomena

1. Analytical skills
2. Research skills
3. Openness to acquire new sectors of knowledge and ability to effectively acquire them

1. Self-reflection of one's own abilities
2. Professional and moral stand
3. Social sensitivity, solidarity

1. Responsible, professionally based social presence
2. Adoption and enforcement of professional standards
3. Independence

Class sessions combine lectures on relevant concepts, essential filmmaking techniques, including interviewing, research, narrative structure, viewing and analysis of documentary examples and technical instruction on equipment paired with hands-on exercises, as well as critique of class projects and films at each stage of completion.

• Bill Nichols: Introduction to Documentary, Indiana University Press, 4th Edition, 2024.
• Stella Bruzzi: New Documentary: A Critical Introduction, Second Edition, Psychology Press, 2006.
• Carl Plantiga: Rhetoric and Representation in Nonfiction Film, First Edition, Cambridge University Press,1997.
• Michael Renov: Theorizing Documentary, Routledge, 1993.
• Michael Rabiger: Directing the Documentary, 7th Edition, Routledge, 2020.
• Alan Rosenthal, John Corner: New Challenges for documentary, Second Edition, Manchester University Press, 2005.

Participation is mandatory, no more than 3 missed classes are allowed

Assessment of Class Activity - participation in Discussions : 30% Creative Assignments (Homework) during the semester: 25% Final Film: 45%

• classwork: 30
• homework: 25
• film: 45
• sum: 100

Participation

Retake and make-up test options are defined by the valid regulations of the University’s Code on Education and Examination.

Consulted with the Faculty Student Representative Committee, approved by the Vice Dean for Education, valid from: 02.06.2024.

Reflective documentary filmmaking is a powerful tool for self-exploration, enriching the storytelling experience with deeper personal insight. This course is focuses on understanding and creating reflexive documentaries, a subgenre of personal documentaries, where directors play an active role–either appearing in the film as an outsider to the subject, or as a family member, or the film can be about themselves. Participants are encouraged to approach their stories from their own unique perspective, drawing on personal experience. Alternatively, they may reflect on the filmmaking process itself, using it as a tool for self-exploration and personal growth it also might have a therapeutic effect on them.