Film & Television Studies: Film Festival VTIFF

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.

Vermont International Film Festival 10/18/25 - 10/27/25; PACE students by permission and override

https://vtiff.org/festivals/2024-vermont-international-film-festival/

The URL above is a link to the 2024 Vermont International Film Festival schedule. It'll give you an idea of the scope fo the festival. Info for the 2025 festival is forthcoming. In the meantime VTIFF also presents screenings throughout the year. NOTE: THIS IS A ONE CREDIT CLASS. It can be repeated. Film and Television Studies offers this course in collaboration with the Vermont International Film Festival. Participation in the course provides an introduction to the nature of film festivals as a part of the film industry. The 2025 Vermont International Film Festival will take place for ten days in October. You will need to attend at least 6 events at the festival during that time. The festival schedule is typically available at the end of September. Most screenings take place within walking distance from campus at the Main St. Center for the Performing Arts at 60 Lake Street. Some special events take place at other locations noted in the program guide. COST: UVM/FTS will provide you with a pass that will get you into most events at the festival. In the past, the opening night film and a couple of special events have required individual tickets. It will be up to you to decide whether to attend any of these ticketed events. None will be required.

The class will meet for an orientation session before the festival, time TBD. During the festival, students will attend a minimum of 6 events during the 10-day festival run. Note that you will need to consider your time carefully as this tends to be a time during the semester when you will have heavy demands from other courses. If you are a freshman and want to discuss, don't hesitate to be in touch. DURING THE FESTIVAL 6 Film Screenings / Presentations At least 1 of the 6 Screenings must be a filmmaker event, e.g. includes presentation (live or via Skype) or a discussion with a filmmaker. There will be a number of opportunities to see (and even meet) filmmakers during the festival. I strongly recommend you take advantage of these opportunities. READING: (provided on BrightSpace). A short response assignment will be posted on BS before the meetings. Please reference these readings as you reflect on your experience at VTIFF throughout the festival. JOURNAL ENTRIES: After each event you attend, you will write a review of your experience. In addition, you will write short responses to readings, and do a post-festival written wrap up.

This course is significantly self-guided. You will be expected to take advantage of opportunities during the festival, and encouraged to attend events during the opening days to get a kick-start on the experience. After each event, you will write a review of your experience. In addition, you will write short responses to readings, and do a post-festival written wrap up. Note that to take advantage of the course, you will need to commit time during the 10 days of the festival. Please assess whether this is going to be possible for you in conjunction with other responsibilities you have. Please feel free to email the instructor if you have questions: Deb Ellis deborah.ellis@uvm.edu Note, the course may be repeated.