Critical Film Education

In the face of the constant stream of images we are confronted with every day, it is crucial to be able to decipher their content and aesthetics. There are considerable gaps in critical media education, particularly with regard to the manifestations of visual antigypsyism, which is a historically prevalent form of prejudice.

Previous research on the subject shows that antigypsyist stereotypes and prejudices are omnipresent, either subtly or openly, and persist through transformations. These stereotypes and prejudices are often based on traditional images and perceptions of European culture and continue to exist with astonishing consistency.

Education through film works in a specific way, not only conveying certain content and broadening the viewer's experience, but also analysing this content in terms of its visual language and aesthetics. Feature films in particular use patterns, quotations and references originating from the genre's tradition, or even referencing older literature and paintings. 

Against this background, we define critical media literacy as the ability to reflectively understand the reception of visual products. This enables a 'change of perspective' that includes questions about the conditions under which films are produced, about representation, and empowerment. To this end, we offer analysis tools based on our research into a wide range of historical and contemporary media formats. The Critical Film & Image Hub team organises workshops and events that expand knowledge of media forms of representation offering artistic counterstrategies. All results are made available to interested members of the public in the form of educational materials.