The Not So Short Analysis of Short Films

When we consider a movie, we often think in terms of big blocks of time, with 90 minutes as the standard. However, the challenge of packing the same amount of story into 40 minutes or less can offer the same payoff as a feature length film. Some of the most celebrated directors have made short films both as springboards into feature length projects, and as artistic endeavors to spur creativity. In this course we will explore and analyze short films, learning key terminology that students can later apply to other types of cinema. Through a combination of film analysis and practical understanding of the short film market, students will learn how to “read” a short film. The class will culminate in a day where students become curators, learning how to bring films together into a festival or series.