Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

    Overview

    Examines New Zealand cinema’s institutional, historical, and socio-political contexts, addressing film production, national identity, and postcolonial/transnational influences.

    This paper is designed as a study of New Zealand cinema in its institutional and historical context with regard to some key issues. These issues include: the political economy of filmmaking in New Zealand; the socio-historical context of both the subject matter and production environment of several films; problems that arise in trying to articulate precisely what "New Zealand cinema" is and, by extension, what New Zealand is. Ultimately, this will lead us to consider discourses of identity pertaining to several overlapping and conflicting forces: national, transnational, ethno-cultural and postcolonial. This paper is an excellent fit for both Film and Media students, Communications students, and anyone interested in this topic.

    About this paper

    Paper title Cinema of Aotearoa New Zealand
    Subject Media, Film and Communication
    EFTS 0.1500
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    18 200-level MFCO points or 54 200-level Arts points
    Restriction
    MFCO 216
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Contact

    To be advised.

    Teaching staff

    Dr Yuki Watanabe

    Paper Structure

    MFCO 306 is divided into five modules:

    • National identity, political economy and the production of culture
    • Contested histories: Imagining New Zealand's past
    • Postcolonial identities in Aotearoa
    • Space and warfare: Land/cityscapes and power
    • In pursuit of New Zealand-ness: Nationalism and transnationalism
    Teaching Arrangements

    Lectures, tutorials, screenings and library visits (Central and Hocken).

    Textbooks

    Required readings will be available on Blackboard or in the course pack.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised

    Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Research, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the central concepts, theories and current areas of debate in the study of Aotearoa New Zealand cinema.
    • Expand their viewing range and understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand films.
    Assessment details
    • Short Essay (1,500 words), 15%
    • Screening/lecture/tutorial discussions, 20%
    • Concept tests, 20%
    • Critical media review and interview project, 45%

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Aoroa

    Film Screening

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 16:00-17:50 9-14, 16-17, 19-22

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 15:00-16:50 9-14, 16-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Wednesday 12:00-12:50 10-14, 16-22
    Back to top