Documentary Filmmaking in the Caribbean

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad And Tobago

Students will learn how to write and produce documentary films. Documentaries are often seen as objective and reality. By analyzing both independent and mainstream documentaries, this class will ask students to reconsider these long held beliefs. Students will learn about different modes, styles, and types of documentary filmmaking. With this knowledge of documentary’s narrative and creative potential, students will then work in groups to propose, shoot and edit short films based on local social and environmental issues as well as cultural events. No filmmaking experience necessary

Instructor Christine Acham: I was born and raised on the twin Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The country is a multiracial and multicultural mecca, inclusive of every race and religion imaginable. I completed my Ph.D. in film and television studies from the University of Southern California. The Summer Abroad Program has offered me the amazing opportunity to merge my two passions, that of film and of my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago. For the past four years it has been an unbelievable experience to travel with students from UC Davis and universities across the United States to my homeland. While I have enjoyed teaching them to make documentaries, even more importantly I have watched as they have learned to love and embrace these truly unique islands as much as I do. Through simply the opportunity to meet and interview locals from all parts of the islands and our travels students have been introduced to a truly unique and often overlooked country.

Contact: acham@ucdavis.edu