Introduction to Film Language

Faculty:
Fall 2025: September 1, 2025 – December 19, 2025
Schedule: Mon, Wed 16:10 – 17:30 CET | 10:10 – 11:30 AM EDT
Subject: FILM
Level: 100
Credits: 4 US / 8 ECTS
Max Enrollment: 22
Language of Instruction: English
Prerequisites:No
With the technological development of image-recording devices, such as video cameras, mobile phones, GoPros, and so on, moving images now frame our everyday life. However, questions of cinematic literacy remain open to anyone who is interested in developing their visual language, seeing and comprehending cinema in its vibrant fluctuating form, and learning how to communicate with the world through images and sounds. Technology’s accessibility doesn’t necessarily grant its users the power of cinematic expression: an additional effort, along with skills and knowledge, are also necessary.
This practice-based course aims to introduce students to the basics of cinematic language, including its key technical concepts: the camera as a tool and a medium, camera movement, film/video formats, lighting techniques, composition, and other aspects of film/video production. We will also address the basics of scriptwriting to understand how ideas may be transformed through writing and brought closer to the visual implementation. In addition to familiarizing ourselves with the practical aspects of cinema, we will read texts on film theory, memoirs, poetry, and artistic research as well as watch films and videos.
Guidelines for the Statement of Purpose:
Craft a reflective statement of purpose explaining your interest in the Smolny Beyond Borders online course and your previous experience in filmmaking (shooting, editing). Your statement’s clarity and substance will significantly influence our selection. Convey your motivations and aspirations for this course succinctly but thoroughly. Kindly write your statement in the course’s Language of Instruction.