Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 332 D100

Film Forms (3)

Analog Film Practices

Class Number: 4268

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Instructor:

    Noe Rodriguez
    noer@sfu.ca
    Office: GCA 3835

  • Prerequisites:

    36 units in CA courses, including CA 285.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intensive study of a specific approach to film praxis, in which students create projects through experimentation with film form. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. This course cannot be taken concurrently with other Film Forms courses.

COURSE DETAILS:

This studio course will focus on analogue film practices. We will be using analogue equipment, including 16mm cameras and projectors, tape recorders, light objects, instruments, analogue circuits and proto-cinematic contraptions to create works that will be presented in a showcase at the end of the semester. These works will be exhibited in a non-theatrical environment, focusing on pop-up screening spaces around the school that will allow us to exhibit expanded cinematic works, analogue film/sound installations or projector-performances to name a few possible outcomes.

We will work in a DIY and DIWO (Do-it-with-Others) modes, and apply low-budget philosophies to analogue film, however, working with analogue film might incur in some additional expenses. Students will receive one roll of black and white film to ensure everyone has an opportunity to experiment with the medium.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Introduction to analogue film cameras and exposure
  • Introduction to 16mm film projection
  • Introduction to experimentation with film materiality and analogue processes.
  • Experiment with double-system presentation and expand on the creative possibilities of sound as part of the cinematic experience.
  • Exposure to artists working in celluloid and photo-chemical image
  • Nurture the ongoing dialogue amongst contemporary analogue film practices.
  • Further develop critical skills and confidence to analyse and provide feedback to a wide range of cinematic works.

Grading

  • Exercises 30%
  • Final Project 50%
  • Contributions 20%

REQUIREMENTS:

No film experience is required. All SCA students are welcome.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students will be able to sign out some film equipment. They will have full access to the analogue equipment and limited access to the digital tools. All digital editing will have to be done in the computer labs. Project costs may require personal funding based on production needs outside the equipment provided by the school

REQUIRED READING:

Students will receive articles and suggested or required readings in class.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.