Scottish director, David Mackenzie, King's College Conference Centre, University of Aberdeen


In the research and teaching of film at Scottish universities, new and distinctive initiatives are emerging in the way we reflect on and integrate the practice of making films and new media. In some instances, existing structures present clear divisions between practice and theorizing, and in others there are carefully integrated models in which practice is contextualized within a theoretical engagement. These themes and the issues they pose in light of the most recent developments in digital technology, innovative teaching methods specific to the discipline, and new integrated research and funding opportunities, will form the basis of the one-day symposium organized by the SCFVS, Within the Frame, hosted by the Film and Visual Culture Department at the University of Aberdeen.

Building on the discussions of the first conference of the Scottish Consortium for Film and Visual Studies organized by the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at the University of Glasgow in June 2008, the second symposium will focus on identifying emerging paradigms in the study and integration of practice within our institutions and individual research projects. The introduction of Practice-based PhDs in recent years is one example of changes to the film and new media research environment, creating new expectations and opportunities for students and programme recruitment. Holding workshops, seminars and conferences that invite direct participation by film practitioners are increasing. Research projects that refocus the gaze on production and distribution elements also represent a broadening of the study of film, television and new media. This exciting climate of new activity driven by greater accessibility, economy and familiarity with digital image making and recent advances in web-based technology will provide a fertile area for discussion and debate at the symposium.

Within the Frame will seek responses to questions such as: are we in the process of redefining Film Studies, and what evolving expectations will undergraduate and postgraduate students have of our programmes? Has the Practice-based PhD found a legitimate foundation, what are its best-practice examples and to what extent does this present a break with traditional film study? What intellectual benefits have been found for involving and showcasing the work of practitioners? What examples are there of research projects which focus on more contemporary production and distribution practices, and what new funding opportunities are emerging for this area of study?

Within the Frame will feature invited speakers and a series of discussion panels. The keynote speakers include:

  • Elizabeth Cowie (Professor of Film, University of Kent) Title: The Fiction of Time in Documentary Film
  • Duncan Petrie (Professor of Film, University of York) Title: Theory, Practice and the Significance of Film Schools
  • Raul Ruiz, (Director of over 100 films)

Schedule:

  • 10:00 Registration (MacRobert foyer, bldg no. 7 on campus map)
  • 10:25 Welcome (MR051 lecture theatre)
  • 10:30 Keynote Speaker: Prof. Elizabeth Cowie (MR051)
  • 11:15 coffee break (MR302)
  • 11:30 Workshops I (MR303, 304 and 314)
  • 12:15 Keynote Speaker: Prof. Duncan Petrie (MR051)
  • 1:00 Lunch (Zeste dining room, bldg no. 40 on campus map)
  • 2:30 Keynote Speaker: Raul Ruiz (MR051)
  • 3:15 Workshops II (MR303, 304 and 314)
  • 4:00 coffee break (MR302)
  • 4:20 Workshop feedback (MR051)
  • 4:50 Closing remarks (MR051)
  • 5:00 Reception, music by Danse McCabre (MacRobert foyer)
  • 5:45 finish

Download Workshop Themes and Schedule of Group Participants:

  • The status of the discipline of film studies (chair, Prof. Christine Geraghty, Glasgow)
  • The issue of global/world cinema within film studies (chair, Prof. Dina Iordanova, St. Andrews)
  • Developments in the practice-based PhD (chair, Charlotte Govaert, Aberdeen)
  • Practice-based research project experiences and holding practitioner events (chair, Charlotte Govaert, Aberdeen)
  • Collaborative research and cultural institutions (chair, Prof. John Caughie, Glasgow)
  • Archival collections and collaborations (chair, Dr. Alexandra Kokoli, RGU)

Venue: The MacRobert Building, King's College, University of Aberdeen.

Resources:

Presentation by Keynote speaker Prof. Elizabeth Cowie (pdf format).

Presentation by Keynote speaker Prof. Duncan Petrie (pdf format).


The Symposium is funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland in a five-year long series of annual research conference to promote collaboration and pooled research expertise at Scottish institutions. Additional funding has been provided by the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies at the University of Aberdeen. Top photo by Brian Stewart.