ARTS 112: Intro to Documentary Filmmaking
Prof. Cecilia Aldarondo

In a 2010 article, New York Times film critic A. O. Scott described the field of contemporary documentary film as ‘heterogeneous to the point of anarchy.’ This course takes this heterogeneity to heart, acquainting students with a wide array of creative approaches and key debates in documentary film. In addition to a historical, ethical and critical foundation in the field of documentary, students will acquire a basic grounding in the fundamentals of video production, including cinematography, sound and editing. Course requirements include class attendance and regular critiques, weekly film screenings and readings outside class, 2-3 minor filmmaking exercises, and major assignments in the form of 3-4 short nonfiction video projects.

'Somewhere Peaceful'
Victoria Liu

Spring 2021
RT 1:52, iPhone 4K video, color, sound

A response to and protest against the turmoil of the local hate crimes — “Somewhere Peaceful” is about creating a quiet, simple space.

'Five Somewhere'
Dacia Green
Spring 2021
RT 1:46, iPhone 4K video, color, sound

A Sunday night in Williamstown.

'A Room of Blue'
Jeongyoon Han
Spring 2021
RT 1:47, 4K video, color, sound

There is a sea by the stairs.

'Window'
Jacob Posner

Spring 2021
RT 1:52, HD video, color, sound

My life this year was defined by my dorm room — my window provided a welcome escape.

'For the Purpose of Waiting'
Arjun Pothuri
Spring 2021
RT 3:14, HD video, color, sound

A vestibule is for the purpose of waiting.

'Running Low'
Rebecca Tauber
Spring 2021
RT 2:52, iPhone 4K video, color, sound

The past converges with the present in Goodrich Hall and student coffee bar, abandoned amidst the pandemic yet simultaneously a living time capsule to life before.

'Untitled Desktop Documentary'
Harun Curak
Spring 2021
RT 05:5, HD Video, Color, Sound

Chronicles a concerned son’s navigation of the Bosnian covid crisis through the Internet.

Or: an argument against vaccine selfies.

'March 2021'
Lucera Whitmore

Spring 2021
RT 2:23, 4K video, color, sound

As told through text messages and observational imagery, “march 2021” documents an unplanned journey home.

'El Cantante'
Justin Betancourt
Spring 2021
RT 1:29, 4K Video, color sound

My father explains the significance of Puerto Rican singer Hector Lavoe to him and his family. One of Lavoe’s songs, El Cantante, has a special connection to his father.