What makes cinema a distinct form of artistic expression? If you want to explore the aesthetics and history of film, this is the place to start. PFA and the UC Berkeley Film Studies Program co-present the film-lecture course Film 50, now celebrating its fifteenth year. An undergraduate course designed for non–film majors, Film 50 is open to the public as space permits. This year's course, taught by Marilyn Fabe, illustrates the development of narrative and genre, with a special focus on self-reflexive cinema. Students learn to view film as a complex picture language and to understand how it articulates narrative, psychological, social, and ideological themes.
Screenings and lectures are held in the PFA Theater. 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.