“AN IMAGE IS WORTH . . .”: ESSAY FILMS
Ages 16-29
Fall 2021, Online
If documentary claims to be objective, the essay film is wholeheartedly subjective, an exploration of reality through the eyes of an individual artist. It reflects, in the words of theorist Jean-Pierre Gorin, “the meandering of an intelligence that tries to multiply the entries and the exits into the material it has elected (or by which it has been elected).” In this distance learning videography workshop, student fellows will hone their observation and analytical skills through both written and visual essays, asking thought-provoking questions about themselves, their culture, the environment, and world events, multiplying the “entries and exits” into their subjects. They’ll grapple with their questions in writing, and shoot and edit individual short films (2-4 minutes), using original images, voiceover, natural sound, sound effects, and/or music to argue a position, analyze a relevant issue, address a problem, or simply trace the “meanderings” of their personal exploration. Their work will be shared through a virtual exhibition and on the program website. Limited to 8 student fellows.
Jaki Hall has taught English at five Baltimore-area universities. She has worked as a TV reporter, talk-show host, and producer; published magazines; and is co-author of her family history, We Are the Wards!
Darian Jones is currently a student at the University of Baltimore, majoring in digital communications with a focus in media design and production. Teaching at Wide Angle Youth Media allows him to work with Baltimore’s future; his goal as a filmmaker and teacher is to help others re-discover their voices.
