The Diploma Programme (DP) Film course aims to develop students as proficient interpreters and makers of film texts. Through the study and analysis of film texts, and through practical exercises in film production, the film course develops students’ critical abilities and their appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical and global perspectives in film. Students examine film concepts, theories, practices and ideas from multiple perspectives, challenging their own viewpoints and biases in order to understand and value those of others.

DP Film students experiment with film and multimedia technology, acquiring the skills and creative competencies required to successfully communicate through the language of the medium. They develop an artistic voice and learn how to express personal perspectives through film.

The film course emphasises the importance of working collaboratively. It focuses on the international and intercultural dynamic that triggers and sustains contemporary film, while fostering in students an appreciation of the development of film across time, space and culture. DP Film students are challenged to understand alternative views, to respect and appreciate the diverse cultures that exist within film, and to have open and critical minds.

The aims are to:

• explore the various contexts of film and make links to, and between, films, filmmakers and filmmaking techniques (inquiry)
• acquire and apply skills as discerning interpreters of film and as creators of film, working both individually and collaboratively (action)
• develop evaluative and critical perspectives on their own film work and the work of others (reflection)

Objectives

It is expected that by the end of the film course, students at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specified contexts and processes
• Demonstrate application and analysis of knowledge and understanding
• Demonstrate synthesis and evaluation
• Select, use and apply a variety of appropriate skills and techniques

Film Journal

From the beginning of the course, and at regular intervals, it is recommended that each student should maintain a film journal. This is the student’s own record of his or her development as a DP filmmaker. It should be used to record or retain the following:

• Reflections on challenges and achievements
• Creative ideas
• Completed work
• Critical analyses and experiences of watching films
• Detailed evaluations and feedback
• All documentation associated with practical filmmaking (such as scripts, storyboards and schedules)
• Feedback from peers, teachers and others
• Research into primary and secondary materials
• Skills acquisition and development

Assessment

The film syllabus consists of the following core areas:

• Reading film – understand how meaning is constructed within and through film texts and are able to view the production of these texts in a broader framework
• Contextualising film – understand how film has evolved and developed across time, space and culture
• Exploring film production roles – explore various film production roles through engagement with all phases of the filmmaking process
• Collaboratively producing film (HL only) – experience working as members of core production teams, in addition to their work in discrete film production roles