Film And Folklore

This course seeks to allow students an opportunity to combine both a historical and literary knowledge of folklore (particularly Japanese folklore) with practical filmmaking skills, including acting, editing and overall construction. In so doing, students will be given an exciting and engaging course which allows their creativity to flow, whilst also giving them an insight into the ways in which folklore shapes the world around us.
It shall begin with an exploration of a few core pieces of folklore from around Japan: the spooky history of ghosts; the beguiling tales of the fox spirits; and the great and terrible oni. With these, particular stories will be explored, and students will be invited to
consider particular stories and creatures.

Students will create their films, after having been introduced to the equipment and how to use it: here is where the technical aspects of film-making will be introduced: in terms of lighting, editing, acting, etc, and using them to transform the familiar space of the classroom into something strange and fantastical.

The production will be done in groups or on their own, as it may be hard to realise some of the ideas on their own, and students may bring in implements and costumes from home if they will assist in the production of the film. Students will be taught how to edit their films, as well as advised on how they might want to edit it in order to get the desired effects. 
Once the films are completed, students and parents/carers will be invited to a communal screening, in which all the films may be watched together and enjoyed by everyone involved. Students will have the opportunity to take their work away with them to be kept and cherished after the fact.

This course will be taught by Declan Prout