Documentary film

Initial situation

This course is inspired by a project that has been proposed for several years in the Faculty of Science and Society (SdS): documentary film making (see the corresponding project). Adapted to the context of adult education, it proposes that students make a documentary film on a training theme. Students acquire the knowledge necessary for this production, both technically and aesthetically. They become familiar with the theory and technique of the audiovisual language, from shooting to editing, including lighting and soundtrack.

The video is seen as a support for sharing experiences, as a tool for circulating information and transmitting knowledge. It allows students to put into practice and enrich the theoretical knowledge they have previously accumulated. Students acquire the skills to synthesize a theme (in adult education) and to promote it through a transmission for any audience.

Project implementation

This course is offered in collaboration with the MediaUnis Studios of the Cultural Activities of the University of Geneva. In pairs or individually, students define film projects and ensure their realization from beginning to end: from shooting to editing, with professional equipment made available by the UNIGE’s cultural activities. The training is offered in the form of practical and theoretical presentations, support sessions for each documentary film project, pooling of ideas, and a public presentation at the Maison des arts du Grütli.

There are 3 main stages. In the first stage, students learn the technique, the language and the specific rules of photography. This stage takes the form of theoretical courses given during the first two months. At the same time, the students define their specific thematic project (e.g., a theme on vulnerabilities for this year), make appointments with the actors they wish to film and begin shooting. They are then offered editing assistance to produce the final documentary, the last step of which is a public screening. Throughout the process, students have free access to the MediaUnis studios, which have computers equipped with professional image editing software (Final Cut Pro) to edit and mix the various filmed sources.

The evaluation of the course takes place at two points during the year: in January after the shooting and first editing and in June after the presentation of the final production. It is done not only on the content, the form and the aesthetics of the video, but also on the whole production process.

Thoughts and advice

The making of a documentary film requires a great deal of time and expertise (cinematographic and thematic) which implies a good coordination within the teaching team. The work of accompaniment constantly oscillates between framing and emancipation of the students. It requires a solid cinematographic partnership: beyond the technical use of the material, it is necessary to master the techniques of editing, the sequencing of shots, the introduction of films, etc.

Student feedback

No official student opinion was collected, but the willingness of some students to engage in their Master’s thesis in a video format seems to be an objective reflection of the students’ appreciation of the course. This means that the students have understood the contribution of this format and wish to use it in their practice.