French filmmakers such as Jean Renoir, Agnès Varda, and Céline Sciamma among others have used the medium of film as a tool to tackle larger issues of politics, class, and race. To achieve these goals, film directors have worked with collectives as a form of political engagement aimed at transforming French society. In this course we will consider how film collectives such as: Ciné-Liberté, Les Insoumuses, Le Collectif 50/50, and Kourtrajmé aim to intervene into or disrupt traditional models of filmmaking. Beyond fiction films, we will also consider documentaries and newsreels by political groups such as the feminist organization, La Femme Nouvelle. Alongside a weekly film screening, we will read essays, manifestos, and major works of theory that add context to the films and cast light on some of the questions they raise. This class is open to both French and Film majors, though a knowledge of French is required (Film students will not be assessed on their competency in French). Students counting this course towards the major or minor in French must submit all written work in French. Class discussions are in French. 

Please note that students will watch films independently before class on Thursday. The screenings on Tuesday at 3:30 will not occur in person this semester.