Introduction to Screenwriting: Sámi and Indigenous Storytelling through Film

In this course we introduce students to Sámi and Indigenous storytelling through narrative fiction and documentary filmmaking. Students will learn the basics of film theory and screenwriting from a Sámi and Indigenous perspective. Indigenous films tell our own stories from our own perspectives. Central questions of this course are the following: How do our stories connect to land, culture, and languages? How is relationality reflected in Indigenous films and what is the societal impact of Indigenous storytelling through film? What are the specific ethical frameworks when working with Sámi and Indigenous stories and communities?

Inclusion in studies
The course can be included as a supportive, elective, or free course in various bachelor’s degree programs. It is especially appropriate for students in journalism and media studies programs.

Content
In this course we introduce students to Sámi and Indigenous storytelling through narrative fiction and documentary filmmaking. Students will learn the basics of film theory and screenwriting from a Sámi and Indigenous perspective.
Indigenous films tell our own stories from our own perspectives. Central questions of this course are the following: How do our stories connect to land, culture, and languages? How is relationality reflected in Indigenous films and what is the societal impact of Indigenous storytelling through film? What are the specific ethical frameworks when working with Sámi and Indigenous stories and communities?

We will derive at answers to these central questions of Indigenous film theory and praxis through case studies of various Sámi and other Indigenous films. Using close studies, we will define and delineate Indigenous-specific dramaturgical characteristics and narrative forms and the ways that Indigenous cultures, places, and relationality manifest in Indigenous film. Further, we will also consider the ethics of filmmaking when working with Indigenous stories and communities.

There will be three course assignments. The final exam will be a completed short film script (15 minutes), either documentary or narrative fiction.

Teaching and learning methods

- the entire course will be virtual
- lectures
- group discussions
- case studies/film analyses
- scriptwriting


Conditions for taking the exam
80 % class participation and three written case studies, each totally 1000 words.

Examination
A completed short film script, either documentary or fiction. Students will be evaluated on the structure, character development and how Indigenous cultural expression manifests in the film narrative.

Course details

Academic level(s)	Bachelor
Country	Norway
Language of instruction
Institution	Sámi University of Applied Sciences
Begin date	15.08.2022
End date	16.12.2022
Registration deadline	20.04.2022
ECTS credits	10.0
Field school	No
Fields of study	Journalism and reportingJournalism and information (broad programmes)
Teaching place	The course is carried out virtually
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