Durham University Ethnographic Film

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Starting out as a Society which showed primarily anthropological documentaries, the Ethnographic Film Society, although relatively new, has been showing films every week for more than three years. We aim to show a wide array of world cinema, including both foreign films and documentaries, from as many different genres, cultures and languages as possible. Our aim has always been to keep our films as diverse as we can and we always welcome suggestions or requests. We allow an opportunity for discussion after each film, hoping that, through watching these films, people will gain a growing awareness and understanding of other cultures and communities.

Ethnographic adj.

Ethnography can be described as 'the scientific description of peoples and cultures with reference to their particular customs and characteristics'. Of course the term 'scientific' in this context can be problematic; however it depends what you understand by the term 'Social Science'. Ethnography is central to the discipline of socio-cultural anthropology.

What are Ethnographic and Foreign Film?

Ethnographic films attempt to convey the fascinating complexity of human experiences and cultures from around the world. This exciting medium is used in Anthropology, Human Geography, and many Social Sciences, to offer a glimpse of what lies beyond our individual perspective of the world. The term 'foreign film' is a broad category which encompasses a spectrum of world cinema. Many films fall into this category, from mainstream commercial productions to low-budget documentaries. World Cinema is an effective way to broaden awareness of cultural differences, including issues within our own culture, and to highlight issues of cultural conflict and change.

Why join the Ethnographic Film Soc?

DUEFS shows weekly films, and provides a social forum that bridges the gap between academic disciplines. In addition to enriching studies and our general understanding of the world, films are entertaining, and a great way to relax.