The events of World War II have inspired countless films, but how did filmmaking in the 1940s inform, influence and persuade audiences during the war years?
This course will explore diverse kinds of wartime filmmaking, including documentary, newsreel, drama and comedy. Through analysing key films and their associated artistic movements and cultural contexts, we can see how contemporary attitudes were shaped and reflected by film. Sessions will be illustrated with film clips.
Week 1: ‘Why We Fight’: Documentary and propaganda
Week 2: ‘London Can Take it!’: British newsreel and government sponsored films
Week 3: Innovations and emotions in Italian Neorealism
Week 4: Entertainment and escape in popular drama and comedy
Dr Julia Wagner is a lecturer and writer specialising in Jewish-interest film and television. She holds a PhD in Film Studies and is a member of the London Film Critics’ Circle. Her writing has been published widely, including by the BFI, Sight & Sound and The Jewish Chronicle. From 2017-23, she curated JW3/BFI archive project, Jewish Britain on Film. Julia founded Casting Jewish consultancy and is author of Hester Street (BFI Film Classics/Bloomsbury, forthcoming 2025).
Website: www.juliawagnerfilm.com