Week 10★Dec 7th Presentation/Discussion Session—Cinemas from ‘Other Asias’

Throughout this semester, with our primary focus on East Asian cinemas (which I know slightly more about), it is a pity that we cannot actually canvass each and every cinema culture in and across ‘Asia’ with its ‘firsts’ in film history and evolving trajectories highlighted.

This session aims to shift the focus onto early cinemas from ‘Other Asias’—could be cinemas from such less spotlighted areas like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, or films from other Southeast Asia places such as Malaya, the Philippines, and Thailand. Through surveying the ‘Other Asias’, we do not seek to establish the dichotomy between the center and the peripheral (the Other), but aim to rethink our historical survey so far, and prepare ourselves for the next stage exploration of colonial filmmaking.  

Agenda: each group would focus on ONE national/regional cinema from Asia that is not covered in our lectures (until Week 9), and highlight a narrative of,

1) the ‘firsts’ in the historical accounts of early cinema (=until the 1930s, the LATEST): can be the first film screening/exhibition; first location shooting by foreign nationals, and could also be the first films made by its nationals;

2) one important early film work (not necessarily the ‘first film’): you can use visuals (stills; moving images) to tell us how the film is like, but not a must;

Do not forget to share with us a list of your resources; social media-generated/based materials (e.g., from Wikipedia, blog) are welcomed but I would also look forward to reading more academic resources. We value quality over quantity. No worries about the number of entries.

Format: we would divide ourselves into 5 groups (x3/4/5 ppl). Auditing students are encouraged to join too.

1)First 15 min of the session would be group discussions where the group members again confirm about their own main topics/issues/films/contexts etc.  

2)Then each group is given 8 minutes to present their findings (who is to talk/how—decide among yourselves). PPT/Keynote is not a must.

3)An open Q&A session is included.

Reminder: you can bring your own PC for the presentation, or you can bring USB to use my mac. Make sure you arrive a bit earlier to set up and test the materials. Always welcome to talk to me(maran@nagoya-u.jp) about possible topics as a group.

[Week 15★Feb 1^st    Group Presentation would be changed to a session of lecture+discussion on colonial cinema; focusing on documentary and animation]