University of Yaoundé I: Making Movies in Paris

This intensive four-week session, based on the students’ experiences of living in Paris, will involve the practical creation of an “auteur film” on video. Technically, the course will concentrate on developing writing skills for cinema and translating narratives into film images. The workshop encompasses analysis of: story lines and patterns structure(s) of character behavior and subjectivity, predictable elements, manipulative parameters, truth, hidden or embedded information, and differing interpretations of a singular narrative. The subject matters will be taken from the students’ experiences while living abroad. Their stories will be reproduced through moving pictures and sound. Thematically, the course will highlight specific aspects of Paris in relation to cinematic productions including: Romance and/in Paris City architecture as character. Theoretically, the course will introduce students to the basic theories and criticisms relevant to Film Studies. Students will increase their understanding of: film criticism as an intellectual activity, history of “cinema d’auteur”, survey of American remakes of French films, inherent linguistic tensions and cultural compromises with voice dubbing and the use of subtitles. Since this is an intensive four-week session, students will be expected to remain current with required readings, written assignments, and production schedules.