Artistic Strategies are often understood by the means and methods used by artists to shape, develop, and finalize their projects within a historical, cultural, social, and political context.

This course reverses the perspective and investigates how non-artists appropriate art forms as a platform to develop their own strategy of visibility and community outreach.

The Medvedkin Group, active between 1967 and 1974, offers a fascinating case study.

Formed at the initiative of a group of workers on strike in the East of France, the group succeeded at raising solidarity among filmmakers and film technicians to make their case known across the country through their filmic production.

Trained in filmmaking by Chris Marker, among others, the factory workers quickly appropriated the means of cinema and started documenting their working and life conditions.

In retrospect, and fifty years after, the group’s work remain as a memorable example of non-artists that have produced innovative cinematic forms.

Based on film screenings and readings, the course will examine a selection of the Medvedkin Group filmic production and identify the complex aesthetics that the group developed in order to bear witness to their lives and struggle.

• Active engagement in group discussion & cooperation
• Assessment: students are encouraged to form groups of 3. Each group of 3 will collectively write and submit an essay on a case study. Further details will be shared on the first course. 
• Minimum attendance: 75% 
• No absence without prior excuse

The group is limited to 20 students

Due to covid 19, course may happen on Zoom