Thesis
Screening the past: on the history and methodologies of film curatorship
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Dec 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00002006
Abstract
In an age when a large portion of film history is readily accessible from the comfort of our homes, what value does the theatrical experience hold for films older than six months (repertory cinema)? More importantly, how can repertory cinema exhibitors sustain themselves amid the purported instability of the first-run theatrical model due to streaming innovations and COVID-19, which poses a significant challenge to the continued viability of traditional moviegoing? Is there a future for discovering and rediscovering the classic in a communal setting with a group of passionate cinephiles? This thesis examines the history of film curatorship and the various curatorial methodologies practiced by the organizer of these programs, varyingly titled the "film curator" or "film programmer." Through a detailed literature review, organizational profiles, and interviews with thirteen professional programmers and curators across the exhibition field, it seeks to answer some of those questions and provide an in-depth look at the methods and strategies utilized in curating film series and screenings. By focusing on recent developments impacting film exhibitors and exploring programming strategies to draw audiences to these programs, "Screening the Past" aims to contribute a nuanced understanding of the role of film curatorship in shaping the future of communal cinematic experiences and cinephilia overall, as a pandemic-era influx of younger audiences disputes pessimistic speculation and programmers juggle meeting the audience's expectations and piquing their curiosity.
Metrics
86 File views/ downloads
85 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Screening the past
- Creators
- Dan Santelli
- Contributors
- Pamela Yau (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 152 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991021819215304721