The film industry is considered the cornerstone of the entertainment industry. Viewing movies on the big or small screen is a favorite pastime around the world yielding revenue in the billions. As consumers we are drawn to the images, characters, and musical elements that make up the story genre. However, as aspiring communications professionals, it’s important to see and understand the power of images and the subliminal messages that visual mediums perpetuate. Gerima breaks down typical movie recipes and inspires audiences to develop critical thinking skills when it comes to creating films by, for and about their culture. He provides examples of stereotypes, and other underdeveloped character depiction to avoid when creating stories. He also provides a comprehensive and critical look at past and present films. “We are trying to find our voice and our identity and not submit to the formula,” Haile Gerima repeats in a television interview. It’s the intention uppermost in his mind and his constant refrain to student filmmakers and audiences worldwide: It’s not just about film; it’s about life and it can be done.
Student Learning Outcomes – As a result of attending Break the Chains of Formula Filmmaking students/audiences will be able to:
- Comprehend the role of telling your own story through your own perspective
- Understand the power of subliminal messaging in media
- Analyze how to interpret and view movies with a critical eye
- Be more conscientious when creating projects, news, stories, scripts to encompass well-developed, balanced roles for characters of color
Audience: Communications (Journalism, Film, Media) students, University Lecture series, Greek Lettered groups, Student Government, Alumni Associates,
Formats: Workshops, Conferences, Seminars, Classes