IBSL Film Studies Year 2

This course examines cinema as an art form, cultural artifact, and narrative medium. What makes a film "good" or "bad"? How are films made and who makes them? How has technology changed the way we make and watch films? How do films reflect and shape culture? These essential questions guide our exploration of cinema as both an art form and a cultural force. Students will analyze film techniques, genres, and movements from silent cinema to contemporary global productions. Through screenings, discussions, analytical writing, and practical film production, students develop critical viewing skills and explore cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, sound design, and narrative structure. The films studied represent diverse perspectives, styles, and historical periods. Coursework includes written analysis, oral presentations, video essays, and film projects. For IB Film students (HL/SL), this two-year course includes additional focus on international film traditions and theory, preparing students for IB assessments: a textual analysis essay, a comparative study video essay, a film portfolio and, for HL, a collaborative film project. The course can be taken at Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) and runs concurrently with Film Studies.