I. What is Cognitive Film Theory? Cognitive Film Theory is a branch of film theory that focuses on the viewer’s mental processes and how they interact with and interpret film. It explores how viewers perceive, understand, and engage with films on a cognitive level, taking into account factors such as attention, memory, emotion, and comprehension. … Read more
What is Mise-en-scène? Mise-en-scène is a French term that translates to “placing on stage” in English. In the context of filmmaking, Mise-en-scène refers to everything that appears on screen, including the set design, props, costumes, lighting, actors’ performances, and the overall visual composition of a scene. It encompasses all the elements that contribute to the … Read more
What is Kracauer’s Theory of Film? Kracauer’s Theory of Film is a critical approach to understanding the nature and impact of cinema as an art form and cultural medium. Developed by German film theorist and philosopher Siegfried Kracauer in the early to mid-20th century, this theory explores the relationship between film and reality, the role … Read more
What is Counter Cinema? Counter Cinema refers to a type of filmmaking that challenges and subverts traditional film conventions and dominant ideologies. It is a form of cinema that seeks to disrupt the status quo and offer alternative perspectives on social, political, and cultural issues. Counter Cinema often pushes boundaries and experiments with narrative structures, … Read more
I. What is Afrofuturism? Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic and philosophy that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and Afrocentrism to explore the experiences of people of African descent. It imagines a future where African and African diasporic cultures play a central role, often incorporating themes of technology, spirituality, and social justice. Afrofuturism challenges traditional … Read more
I. What is Iconography in Film? Iconography in film refers to the use of visual symbols, motifs, and imagery to convey meaning and enhance the storytelling within a film. These symbols can be objects, colors, gestures, or even specific camera angles that carry cultural, historical, or thematic significance. Iconography in film is a powerful tool … Read more
I. What is Soviet Montage Theory? Soviet Montage Theory is a film editing technique that originated in the Soviet Union in the 1920s. It was developed by a group of filmmakers who believed that the meaning of a film is created through the editing process rather than the individual shots themselves. This theory emphasizes the … Read more
What is Semiotics? Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and their use and interpretation in communication. It is a field that examines how meaning is created and conveyed through signs and symbols in various forms of communication, including language, art, and media. Semiotics seeks to understand how signs and symbols are used to … Read more
I. What is Surrealism in Film? Surrealism in film is a genre that aims to explore the unconscious mind and challenge traditional narrative structures. It is characterized by dream-like sequences, illogical and bizarre imagery, and a sense of the irrational. Surrealist filmmakers often use techniques such as juxtaposition, non-linear storytelling, and visual symbolism to create … Read more
What is Ecocriticism? Ecocriticism is a literary and cultural theory that examines the relationship between literature, culture, and the environment. It explores how human beings interact with the natural world and how these interactions are represented in artistic works. Ecocritics analyze texts through an environmental lens, looking at themes such as nature, wilderness, sustainability, and … Read more
