ANTH 319.090 | Research Methods in Expressive Culture » ethnographic films

Basil Wright’s and Harry Watt’s film “Night Mail” (1936)

Moore Quinn — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:56:20 +0000

We have been talking about how ethnography is rarely “value free.” Neither is ethnographic film.

Take a look at “Night Mail” and ask how this film might have been different had it been made independently rather than having been funded by “interested” parties.

Night Mail, Part 1

Night Mail, Part 2

Night Mail, Part 3

Basil Wright’s film “Housing Problems” (1935)

Moore Quinn — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:47:34 +0000

Here we have one of the first documentary films that features “interviewing.” Do you think the interviewees are “natural”? This is also a good opportunity to begin to deal with issues of representation. How is the subject of housing treated? How are the interviewees themselves treated? Do you think this film violates modern-day ethical standards as promulgated by the IRB? What is the value of looking at this kind of footage today?

Housing Problems

The Independent Magazine’s site for Documentary Films

Moore Quinn — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:23:05 +0000

Hello everyone,

There is so much potential for those interested in documentary films. Visit this site to learn about the best places to study the subject.

Ten Best Documentaries

See Four Ethnographic Films in the Halsey Gallery at 8PM Friday

Moore Quinn — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:13:27 +0000

For more information on this event, visit the CofC Calendar for Friday, November 7th. Students will receive extra credit if they attend this event and write a two (2) page summary.