eLearnAfrica
How to Read a Film
Film Distributors' Association
  • Start Date: 13 Nov, 2023
  • 5 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Delve into the devices used to create meaning in film as you gain a deeper understanding of what we see on screen.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility
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Course Description

Master film studies as you learn how films create meaning


When you watch a film there are many elements working together to produce what you see and hear. The different elements, known as devices, have been carefully constructed so that your attention is drawn to certain things at certain times, forming the way in which a film communicates its story.


On this five-week course, you’ll unpack these elements to discover how they work, what they are called, and how they work together.


You’ll watch a range of short extracts from films and hear from filmmakers to understand why different devices have been chosen and the ways in which film creates meaning.


Understand how a filmmaker uses mise-en-scène to create a narrative


To help you gain practical skills in reading a film, you’ll start by exploring the story world.


You’ll unpack elements of mise-en-scène as well as shot choices to understand how a filmmaker creates a narrative.


Explore the importance of continuity editing


Next, you’ll delve into editing devices to understand how films create sequences. Exploring techniques such as continuity editing, you’ll learn how a film ensures consistency in its narrative.


Through different examples, you’ll see how these devices are used in practice to ensure you gain skills you can take outside of this course.


Delve into different film genres


Finally, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how plots are created in film as you explore different genres. You’ll also understand film from an audiences’ perspective as you uncover theories of spectatorship.


Guided by the experts at The Film Distributors’ Association, you’ll finish the course with the knowledge and skills to read a film and its devices.


This course is designed for anyone interested in films.


It may be particularly useful if you are studying film either at A level or degree level.


    • Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

    • Film Distributors' Association

      This university is part of the partnership between eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn.

    • You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
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