What makes cinema a distinct form of artistic expression? If you wish to explore the aesthetics and history of film, this is the place to start. PFA and the UC Berkeley Film Studies Program copresent the film-lecture course Film 50, now in its twelfth year. Film 50, an undergraduate course designed for non–film majors, is open to the public as space permits.
The focus is on landmark films in the development of narrative, genre, and national cinema styles. Students learn to view film as a complex picture language and to understand how images in combination with sounds articulate film's narrative, psychological, social, and ideological themes.
Marilyn Fabe teaches Film 50, which remains PFA's most popular film-lecture series. Her book Closely Watched Films will be published this fall by UC Press. Inspired by Film 50, it is a sophisticated introduction to cinema for non-specialists.
Screenings and lectures are held in the PFA Theater, Bancroft at Bowditch. The programs often sell out, so we strongly recommend advance tickets, which are, as always, available at the PFA box office, at the BAM admissions desk, or charge-by-phone (510) 642-5249.