Film & Television Studies: Film Festival Camden

Investigates the history and business of the evolving role of film festivals for filmmakers, distributors, exhibitors, and audience. Students will study and attend a film festival for experiential observation of the field. May be repeated for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years.

Location: Camden, ME for the Camden International Film Festival and Point North Institute 9/11/25 - 9/14/25; Thursday to Sunday; Instructor permission required PACE students by permission and override

https://pointsnorthinstitute.org/ciff/

Note: you need to apply for permission to join this course. Recommended and priority for Juniors and Seniors. FTS Majors/Minor and RDS Minors have priority. Also note that I will be teaching Real to Reel, a documentary overview, this semester. It's a GREAT companion to this course. Or vis versa. Write me with questions. Instructions below. The Camden International Film Festival section of FTS1600 is an opportunity for students to experience a world class non-fiction film festival in relative proximity to Vermont. Important films in the beginning of their festival run will be on the screens. You'll meet filmmakers at various events and have the opportunity for conversation. In addition to the festival, students will attend presentations at the concurrent Points North Points North Documentary Forum that brings together the international documentary film community to reflect on the business, craft and future of nonfiction storytelling while connecting with peers and industry leaders in an intimate setting. It's an opportunity to see a major festival from the inside, and learn more about how this particular festival was started and has grown. The dates for this year's festival are September 11-14, 2025 and will include in-person screenings at venues in Camden and Rockland, Maine, including the Camden Opera House and the Strand Theatre. You will miss classes on the 11-12th. Please take that into account when you consider applying to attend. We'll leave Burlington early morning on Thursday and return early Sunday evening. A generous donor is covering the transportation, lodging and festival passes. You will be responsible for your food. We'll all stay in a local hotel. Students will share rooms, TBD in consultation with instructor. To apply: Email deborah.ellis@uvm.edu Subject Line: FTS1600 CIFF Application NAME PHONE NUMBER MAJOR/MINOR/YEAR WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE CAMDEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL? (Read up on their website for info about the festival) DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH FILM FESTIVALS? (not necessary, just gauging where you're at) PARTICIPATION IN THIS TRIP REQUIRES MATURITY AND ABILITY TO MANAGE YOURSELF RESPONSIBLY. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS REQUIREMENT? IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU AS I ROUND OUT THIS YEAR'S COHORT? The trip has been a highlight for small groups of students over the past few years. I look forward to another spectacular experience in 2025. Join us!

You will attend screenings and events during the festival. Participation with the group is expected although you will have plenty of time to be self-directed in relation to what you attend. Attendance at the festival; minimum of 6 film/presentation events; daily morning breakfast meetings to organize our day and reflect on our experiences; reading responses before the festival begins; responses to each of the films/presentations you attend; and a final written festival wrap up.

You will be evaluated on your attendance, participation and completion of written reviews of your experience.