Screening Youth: Contemporary French and Francophone Cinema

This volume explores the works of Francophone directors who focus on youth, offering new insights into their narratives and aesthetics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comprehensive volume provides fresh perspectives on the works of both emerging and established Francophone directors, all of whom have chosen to center their narrative and aesthetic concerns around the theme of youth.

Through a diverse range of films and essays, the book explores the ways in which these directors engage with the complexities of adolescence, identity, and social change, offering valuable insights into the rich and diverse tapestry of Francophone cinema.

Emerging directors, such as Mia Hansen-Løve and Céline Sciamma, are featured prominently in the volume, showcasing their unique approaches to storytelling and their ability to capture the raw energy and vulnerability of young people.

Established directors, such as Jean-Luc Godard and Agnès Varda, also contribute their insights, reflecting on their own experiences as young filmmakers and the impact that youth culture has had on their work.

The volume also includes critical essays that analyze the themes and techniques employed by these directors, providing a deeper understanding of their artistic choices and their contributions to the field of cinema.

In conclusion, this volume is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of Francophone cinema, as well as the themes and techniques that have shaped its development over the years.

Introduction:
The theme of youth has been a central focus in the works of many Francophone directors, who have sought to explore the complexities and challenges of adolescence, identity, and social change. This comprehensive volume provides a valuable insight into the rich and diverse tapestry of Francophone cinema, exploring the ways in which these directors engage with the theme of youth and their contributions to the field.

Emerging Directors:
One of the most notable emerging directors in Francophone cinema is Mia Hansen-Løve, known for her films "Things to Come" and "Eden." Hansen-Løve's films are characterized by their raw energy and vulnerability, capturing the essence of young people's experiences. Her approach to storytelling is characterized by a sense of realism and authenticity, often focusing on the inner struggles and emotions of her characters.

Another emerging director is Céline Sciamma, known for her films "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" and "Toni Erdmann." Sciamma's films are characterized by their complex narratives and their exploration of the complexities of familial relationships. She is known for her ability to create nuanced and empathetic characters, often exploring themes of identity and belonging.

Established Directors:
Established directors such as Jean-Luc Godard and Agnès Varda have also made significant contributions to the theme of youth in Francophone cinema. Godard's films, such as "Breathless" and "A Bout de Souffle," are known for their experimental and avant-garde style, often exploring themes of rebellion and youth culture. Varda's films, such as "Cléo from 5 to 7" and "The Beaches of Agnès," are characterized by their intimate and personal approach, often focusing on the experiences of older women and their relationships with younger people.

Critical Essays:
The volume also includes critical essays that analyze the themes and techniques employed by these directors, providing a deeper understanding of their artistic choices and their contributions to the field. These essays explore the ways in which these directors use visual and narrative elements to convey their messages about youth, identity, and social change, and how they engage with the audience's emotional and intellectual responses.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers new insights into the works of emerging and established Francophone directors, who all chose to place youth at the heart of their narrative and aesthetic concerns. Through a diverse range of films and essays, the book explores the ways in which these directors engage with the complexities of adolescence, identity, and social change, offering valuable insights into the rich and diverse tapestry of Francophone cinema.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474449434