Film Studies and International Film Production in Bologna

DMU students  enrolled on BA Film Studies or MA International Film Production are eligible to participate in this opportunity.

There are a maximum of 20 places available, with a minimum of 10 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommend to check the eligibility criteria before applying

Trip description

This trip to a recognised international film festival, Il Cinema Ritrovato, will offer both undergraduate Film Studies and Postgraduate International Film Production students an opportunity to view classic films and also understand the archival and restoration process. Guest speakers in industry-led panel talks have previously included Hollywood luminaries such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorcese, and global filmmakers such as Jane Campion, Nicolas Winding Refn and Kim Soo-yong.

Unlike many festivals, the festival pass gives access to all screenings and talks, in addition to discounts in the city, a catalogue and tote bag. Il Cinema Ritrovato has a good track record in educational engagement, and in holding quality industry event programmes around the festival. The trip provides valuable insight into film restoration, and archiving and also offer a global point of comparison to the UK industry insights that the students are gaining throughout their time on the courses. This is particularly pertinent to the ethos of one of the courses as an ‘International’ Film Production MA.

Pre-trip, there will be a short series of seminars on the concept of ‘International’ cinema will be led by academics from Film Studies and International Film Production courses. These will include global, local and transnational film making trends, film restoration and archiving, and ‘how to maximise your time at film festivals’. Furthermore, students from both courses will be paired up to create case studies on the guest speakers filmography in areas such as directing, archiving, cinematography and restoration.

Learning objectives

Participating in a DMU Global opportunity can help you develop a range of skills and competencies that enhance your studies. Through participation in this Film Studies trip to Bologna we expect that students will:

To help students maximise the benefits of the experience, post-trip participants we be encouraged to share knowledge with their peers from the talks they attend and a group session will be organised to discuss reflections and feedback

Cultural activities

Bologna is rich with cultural history, accessible at a low cost. Miles of UNESCO heritage-listed porticoes line the streets alongside medieval terracotta buildings – ideal for street photography.

The twin towers of Bologna, Le Due Torri, are the number one attraction in the city and one of its most commonly recognised symbols (accessible for €5). Other recommended highlights include the imposing structure of San Petronio church (free), the Museum of Modern Art (MAMbo) (€6), the 60km network of canals which date back to the Middle Age and Bologna University (the oldest university in the western world, founded in 1088) – a particular highlight being the Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, a 17th-century anatomical lecture hall (€3).

Please note that all cultural visits and activities are subject to COVID-19 regulations in Italy.