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As a major visual and narrative art form of the 20th century, cinema can offer insight into little known, or perhaps little understood, peoples, traditions, and cultures. This spring, two film collections – the recently acquired Ken Wolfgang Archival Film Collection in Special Collections and the online American Indian Film Gallery – provide a unique cultural and archival research opportunity for graduate students in the English department.
Under the direction of Professor Jenkins, 14 students enrolled in “History and Theory of Film” were the first to be allowed scholarly access to the Wolfgang collection. The results of their intensive study are featured during this symposium.
The symposium highlights the interdisciplinary study of filmmaking and storytelling as a means toward cultural understanding. The graduate students explore the following four categories of film with special attention to the work of Ken Wolfgang:
- Hollywood & Film Theory
- Cinematic Mexico
- Adaptation: Page/Stage/Big Screen/Small Screen
- Ken Wolfgang, Archival Film & Representations of Mexico
Wolfgang presented his films throughout the country on the U.S. travel film lecture circuit. For each showing he wrote his own scripts, chose his own music and sound effects, and did his own live narration to large audiences as the film was projected. His work was nationally recognized by organizations like National Geographic and film producer Walt Disney.
In addition to sharing the students’ research efforts, the symposium also launches the newly established Ken Wolfgang & Kendra Gaines Library Endowment for the purpose of continuing the tradition of filmmaking as storytelling and cultural introduction. Graduate students from across the disciplines who are pursuing projects involving film as an historical aesthetic or cultural medium, or who are developing script projects, may apply for endowment support. Awards will be granted for research and research-related activities conducted in the film and associated collections housed at UA Special Collections.
To contribute to the Ken Wolfgang & Kendra Gaines Library Endowment or to apply for endowment support for related studies please contact Laura Bender, director of development for the Libraries, at benderl@u.library.arizona.edu or (520) 621-3485.