I analyze the “idea of blackness” in the world and how there are two separate paths “Black Cinema” can take: “that which ‘awakens’ the spectator by taking him along the path of progress, and that which ‘lulls him to sleep’ by making him sluggish and escape from reality by merely entertaining him.” I look at how Hollywood Cinema, functions as a “Colonizing Cinema”, which has demanded, “Black Cinema” to perform with a minstrel mask and explicit blackface that grants a partial humanization of the “idea of blackness”. This allows for Hollywood to take possession of “Black Cinema” and make it palatable, which further concretizes its “otherness” within the world of Hollywood Cinema
keywords
Black Cinema, African Cinema, Cinema, Afro-Surrealism, Black Existential Philosophy, African American Studies, Black Studies
Teaching
courses taught
CINE 2000 - Moving Image Foundations I
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Introduces students to basic image making technology, aesthetics and methods. Fundamentals of film/video production in Super 8mm film, Digital ProRes 422 and other analog and digital image making, editing and management formats. May emphasize personal, experimental or narrative approaches with individual exercises, according to instructor. Basic competencies include composition, lighting, basic audio, basic editing, studio critique, file management, web upload, etc. Formerly FILM 2000.
CINE 3010 - Film Production Topics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2024
Offers students both theoretical and practical experience in various specialized areas of cinematic production. Topics vary but include production in the documentary, fictional narrative, animation, computer animation, and experimental genres. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Formerly FILM 3010.
CINE 3400 - Cinema Production I
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Exploration of creative cinema production through short production and post-production projects. A short final project will be required. Focuses on the tactics and strategies of independent cinema production, examining a variety of approaches to genre. Explores a range of film and digital technologies. Formerly FILM 3400.
CINE 3940 - Cinema Studies Internship
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
Provides students with professional internship experiences with film, video, new media production companies, governmental agencies, production units, audio recording studios and new media industries. Students will be responsible for securing their own internship position. May be repeated up to 9 credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: CU GPA of at least 2.00 and upper-division standing and a 3.00 GPA as a BA or BFA Cinema Studies major. Formerly FILM 3940.
CINE 4500 - Cinema Production 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Advanced exploration of creative cinema production through short production and post-production projects. Course focuses on the tactics and strategies of independent cinema production leading to the completion of a BFA thesis project exploring either documentary, experimental, or narrative genres. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Formerly FILM 4500. Same as ARTF 5500.
CINE 4959 - Honors Senior Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
For exceptional Film Studies majors who wish to write an honors thesis based on independent research or creative work under the direction of a faculty member. Formerly FILM 4959.
