9 answers
Jayden
Student
Fontana, California
5
Questions
Asked
1154 views
How can I really sink myself into the world of film history/film teaching?
I already write short reviews on Letterboxd, I made my own separate Instagram on film itself, but how can really dedicate myself to cinema and film studies? Any advice helps, thank you!
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9 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Jayden,
It’s awesome that you’re already writing reviews on Letterboxd and running an Instagram account focused on film—those are great ways to get started, honestly! Soooo, here is some ideas to really dive into film history and film teaching, I hope it helps it's all I could gather and be told. 😎
Deepen Your Reading:🤔
Start exploring key texts in film theory and history. Look for classic books and scholarly articles that analyze films from different eras. This will help you build a solid theoretical foundation.
Consider enrolling in online courses or local classes on film studies. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or even local community colleges often offer courses on cinema history and theory. This can provide structured learning and sometimes even a certificate you can add to your portfolio.
Also try to get involved in film clubs, discussion groups, or societies—either locally or online. Participating in these communities can give you a space to share your insights, learn from others, and even attend film screenings or lectures.
Sooo, basically Since you’re already active on social media, why not take it a step further? A blog or podcast dedicated to film analysis, historical context, and teaching tips can be a fantastic way to express your ideas and build a personal brand in the film world.
Look for opportunities at film festivals, local theaters, or academic events. Volunteering can help you gain practical experience and connect with professionals in the field. Networking might open doors to mentorship or even teaching opportunities later on.
And most importantly, Collect your work—reviews, essays, video essays, podcasts—and create a portfolio. This will not only help you reflect on your progress but also serve as a resource if you decide to pursue teaching or more formal studies in the future.
Dedicating yourself to cinema isn’t just about consuming content—it’s about engaging with it from multiple angles. Keep exploring, questioning, and sharing your insights, and over time, you’ll naturally deepen your understanding and passion for film.
Hope this helps, and best of luck on your cinematic journey! Good luck mate! 😎
It’s awesome that you’re already writing reviews on Letterboxd and running an Instagram account focused on film—those are great ways to get started, honestly! Soooo, here is some ideas to really dive into film history and film teaching, I hope it helps it's all I could gather and be told. 😎
Deepen Your Reading:🤔
Start exploring key texts in film theory and history. Look for classic books and scholarly articles that analyze films from different eras. This will help you build a solid theoretical foundation.
Consider enrolling in online courses or local classes on film studies. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or even local community colleges often offer courses on cinema history and theory. This can provide structured learning and sometimes even a certificate you can add to your portfolio.
Also try to get involved in film clubs, discussion groups, or societies—either locally or online. Participating in these communities can give you a space to share your insights, learn from others, and even attend film screenings or lectures.
Sooo, basically Since you’re already active on social media, why not take it a step further? A blog or podcast dedicated to film analysis, historical context, and teaching tips can be a fantastic way to express your ideas and build a personal brand in the film world.
Look for opportunities at film festivals, local theaters, or academic events. Volunteering can help you gain practical experience and connect with professionals in the field. Networking might open doors to mentorship or even teaching opportunities later on.
And most importantly, Collect your work—reviews, essays, video essays, podcasts—and create a portfolio. This will not only help you reflect on your progress but also serve as a resource if you decide to pursue teaching or more formal studies in the future.
Dedicating yourself to cinema isn’t just about consuming content—it’s about engaging with it from multiple angles. Keep exploring, questioning, and sharing your insights, and over time, you’ll naturally deepen your understanding and passion for film.
Hope this helps, and best of luck on your cinematic journey! Good luck mate! 😎
Garrett John Hunter
Screenwriter
6
Answers
Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Garrett John’s Answer
Hi Jayden,
Firstly it's good that you are already write short film reviews. This is a great way to force yourself to analyse a film, rather than just enjoy it.
Keep doing that, but try write longer pieces. Reviews tend to be of recent films because they act as recommendations to others to go see the movie. Pick an older film, a classic, one of your favourite movies. Write a ten page analysis of it. This wont be easy but it will force you to go beyond a short review and think much more deeply about the subject matter.
Pick another favourite film and do this again. And another, and another.
Now you have forty pages about four films. Write about what these films have in common. They do have something in common, they're your favourites. By doing this you will hopefully identify some of the ways great films get their message across and in doing this you will have developed your own thesis on an aspect of film history.
Read the autobiography of the directors or screenwriter of these films. Read, read, and read some more. Write addendums to each of your ten pagers with your analysis of what motivated the director, or screenwriter to arrive at this story.
Now Write what unified these directors/writers. Now do what every screenwriter must do, find a way to integrate all this into a structured form. Beginning, middle, end.
You have now written enough to stand on a stage or a lecture hall and confidentky deliver your unique perspective on an aspect of filmaking. You won't forget what to say because you know it by heart. You can answer questions and learn from them. You will be a teacher.
Watching films is great, but spend 10% of your time watching movies, 30% of your time writing about movies, and 60% of your time reading about movies and the people that make them.
In summary, if you really want to be a film historian, put away the phone and pick up a book.
Then write a book.
Best,
Garrett
Firstly it's good that you are already write short film reviews. This is a great way to force yourself to analyse a film, rather than just enjoy it.
Keep doing that, but try write longer pieces. Reviews tend to be of recent films because they act as recommendations to others to go see the movie. Pick an older film, a classic, one of your favourite movies. Write a ten page analysis of it. This wont be easy but it will force you to go beyond a short review and think much more deeply about the subject matter.
Pick another favourite film and do this again. And another, and another.
Now you have forty pages about four films. Write about what these films have in common. They do have something in common, they're your favourites. By doing this you will hopefully identify some of the ways great films get their message across and in doing this you will have developed your own thesis on an aspect of film history.
Read the autobiography of the directors or screenwriter of these films. Read, read, and read some more. Write addendums to each of your ten pagers with your analysis of what motivated the director, or screenwriter to arrive at this story.
Now Write what unified these directors/writers. Now do what every screenwriter must do, find a way to integrate all this into a structured form. Beginning, middle, end.
You have now written enough to stand on a stage or a lecture hall and confidentky deliver your unique perspective on an aspect of filmaking. You won't forget what to say because you know it by heart. You can answer questions and learn from them. You will be a teacher.
Watching films is great, but spend 10% of your time watching movies, 30% of your time writing about movies, and 60% of your time reading about movies and the people that make them.
In summary, if you really want to be a film historian, put away the phone and pick up a book.
Then write a book.
Best,
Garrett
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jayden !
Any career in film, including authoring and teaching, is a process and there really isn't any specific path for it except to get your academic degrees and teaching certification including a Masters so you can teach in college. Mostly colleges will have teaching jobs for Film History. Your focus for study would be Education.
It seems like you're starting out doing the right thing writing about film. Only you can gauge your preparation for this career. You are 50 miles from Hollywood so maybe you can start visiting the film hub and visit The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Hollywood Museum and the Hollywood Heritage Museum.
You will also need to look into colleges that have a strong Education Department. College entails a lot of writing so you will continue to have assignments that will require writing. Keep in mind that a career for teaching film will be limited to colleges and film schools. Many of the professors have experience before teaching, so you might want to aim for volunteer work at one of the few museums in Hollywood or as a filmmaker, professional experience that you can bring to the job interview. But knowing about film is one part of it, you'll have to know how to teach and how academia is run. Also, the prospect of getting an 8 hour a day professor job or just teaching one or two courses. It's best to take things step by step to see what opportunities unfold.
Film History is basically a book-learning, film-watching, critique and analyzing type of job as contrast to actual hands-on filmmaking. So when you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, apply for Work Study and take a work study job in the film department of the college you attend. You will become familiar with the process that way and get paid for it. Just being in the department like that will bring knowledge your way.
So continue to write, read about film and this will be good while you are in high school. Your real path will be in college at which you will obtain the qualifications to have a career as a Film History teacher. It takes time and patience but you can do it !
I wish you all the best !
Any career in film, including authoring and teaching, is a process and there really isn't any specific path for it except to get your academic degrees and teaching certification including a Masters so you can teach in college. Mostly colleges will have teaching jobs for Film History. Your focus for study would be Education.
It seems like you're starting out doing the right thing writing about film. Only you can gauge your preparation for this career. You are 50 miles from Hollywood so maybe you can start visiting the film hub and visit The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Hollywood Museum and the Hollywood Heritage Museum.
You will also need to look into colleges that have a strong Education Department. College entails a lot of writing so you will continue to have assignments that will require writing. Keep in mind that a career for teaching film will be limited to colleges and film schools. Many of the professors have experience before teaching, so you might want to aim for volunteer work at one of the few museums in Hollywood or as a filmmaker, professional experience that you can bring to the job interview. But knowing about film is one part of it, you'll have to know how to teach and how academia is run. Also, the prospect of getting an 8 hour a day professor job or just teaching one or two courses. It's best to take things step by step to see what opportunities unfold.
Film History is basically a book-learning, film-watching, critique and analyzing type of job as contrast to actual hands-on filmmaking. So when you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, apply for Work Study and take a work study job in the film department of the college you attend. You will become familiar with the process that way and get paid for it. Just being in the department like that will bring knowledge your way.
So continue to write, read about film and this will be good while you are in high school. Your real path will be in college at which you will obtain the qualifications to have a career as a Film History teacher. It takes time and patience but you can do it !
I wish you all the best !
Thank you for the advice, Michelle.
Jayden
Patrick Phillips
screenwriter
21
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi, Jayden. Terrific answers here already. You've got responses from education/college focused to writing about movies to social media and blogging to specific course work. I really can't add to their awesomeness! Maybe I can just add to it for you by suggesting that you keep it all balanced between the WHY and the HOW.
WHY: Why do I want to teach this wonderful thing to others? Devote my life to it? Go through all the ups and downs in my personal life and professional life that will always lead me back to this? Why is this so important to me? Why is it so important that I share or teach it to others? How did the movies spark me so much that I decided to devote my life to teaching it? For me, it was an escape. I loved escaping to the movies. Also, it was spiritual, kinda like church. I always went to the movies on Sunday. Escape. Reset. Share. Laugh. Cry. Cheer. Then go home and talk about it. Why is this all so important for YOU, Jayden? Remembering to ask yourself, and knowing that, will help you help your students and yourself in your journey of film history. Especially during the rough patches :)
HOW: How am I going to earn a living at this? How will I live? This is a commitment, a calling, and a job that fulfills me spiritually and vocationally, but how can I make it work financially? People who teach film at colleges tend to stick around a long time, for good reason. It's a great job teaching film and filmmaking! Sheesh. How can I find an opportunity to join a teaching staff, at any level, at any college or museum or film history place? How can put myself in a place geographically that works as this plan plays out? Constantly checking in on knowing the how, and being practical about it, will help you achieve the goal. And to share your knowledge so others can start their goal by knowing everything that you know. Perfect.
Film History is a wonderful thing. It is definitely worth learning about. I think you'd be a wonderful instructor. Good luck, Jayden!
Best,
Patrick
WHY: Why do I want to teach this wonderful thing to others? Devote my life to it? Go through all the ups and downs in my personal life and professional life that will always lead me back to this? Why is this so important to me? Why is it so important that I share or teach it to others? How did the movies spark me so much that I decided to devote my life to teaching it? For me, it was an escape. I loved escaping to the movies. Also, it was spiritual, kinda like church. I always went to the movies on Sunday. Escape. Reset. Share. Laugh. Cry. Cheer. Then go home and talk about it. Why is this all so important for YOU, Jayden? Remembering to ask yourself, and knowing that, will help you help your students and yourself in your journey of film history. Especially during the rough patches :)
HOW: How am I going to earn a living at this? How will I live? This is a commitment, a calling, and a job that fulfills me spiritually and vocationally, but how can I make it work financially? People who teach film at colleges tend to stick around a long time, for good reason. It's a great job teaching film and filmmaking! Sheesh. How can I find an opportunity to join a teaching staff, at any level, at any college or museum or film history place? How can put myself in a place geographically that works as this plan plays out? Constantly checking in on knowing the how, and being practical about it, will help you achieve the goal. And to share your knowledge so others can start their goal by knowing everything that you know. Perfect.
Film History is a wonderful thing. It is definitely worth learning about. I think you'd be a wonderful instructor. Good luck, Jayden!
Best,
Patrick
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
To truly immerse yourself in the world of film history and film teaching, it's essential to approach the subject from a multifaceted perspective, combining practical experience, academic learning, and consistent engagement with the broader film community. Since you're already writing short reviews on Letterboxd and managing a film-focused Instagram account, you're on the right track by creating platforms to share your thoughts and engage with other cinephiles. To deepen your dedication, start by expanding your knowledge base through structured learning. Enroll in film history or film theory courses, either at a university, online (such as through platforms like Coursera, edX, or MasterClass), or through specialized film schools that offer in-depth studies of cinema. This will expose you to critical film movements, directors, genres, and theoretical frameworks, laying a strong foundation for both teaching and understanding the medium.
Simultaneously, engage in more active film analysis. Instead of just writing reviews, dive into writing analytical essays that explore themes, techniques, historical context, and the significance of various films. Consider starting a blog or YouTube channel dedicated to deeper dives into specific films, genres, or directors, offering in-depth critiques that align with academic discourse. These platforms can also allow you to experiment with teaching methods—sharing your analyses in a way that’s engaging and accessible to a wider audience.
Networking with professionals in film education or history is also key. Attend film festivals, academic conferences, and public screenings where you can interact with filmmakers, historians, and educators. If possible, seek internships or volunteer opportunities at local museums, film societies, or film archives. These experiences will help you gain hands-on knowledge about film preservation, curation, and education. Additionally, consider reading extensively—not just about film history but also about the cultural, political, and social impact of cinema over time. Books by renowned film critics, scholars, and filmmakers, like David Bordwell, Kristin Thompson, or Roger Ebert, will give you a deep understanding of film as both an art form and a social phenomenon.
Finally, if you are passionate about teaching film, consider pursuing formal education in film studies or education. This could involve a degree in film studies, literature, or media, which would equip you with the academic and pedagogical tools necessary to teach film effectively. Ultimately, dedication to cinema is an ongoing process—actively watch, read, learn, and engage, but also create spaces for critical thinking and discussion around film to build your authority and expertise in the field.
Simultaneously, engage in more active film analysis. Instead of just writing reviews, dive into writing analytical essays that explore themes, techniques, historical context, and the significance of various films. Consider starting a blog or YouTube channel dedicated to deeper dives into specific films, genres, or directors, offering in-depth critiques that align with academic discourse. These platforms can also allow you to experiment with teaching methods—sharing your analyses in a way that’s engaging and accessible to a wider audience.
Networking with professionals in film education or history is also key. Attend film festivals, academic conferences, and public screenings where you can interact with filmmakers, historians, and educators. If possible, seek internships or volunteer opportunities at local museums, film societies, or film archives. These experiences will help you gain hands-on knowledge about film preservation, curation, and education. Additionally, consider reading extensively—not just about film history but also about the cultural, political, and social impact of cinema over time. Books by renowned film critics, scholars, and filmmakers, like David Bordwell, Kristin Thompson, or Roger Ebert, will give you a deep understanding of film as both an art form and a social phenomenon.
Finally, if you are passionate about teaching film, consider pursuing formal education in film studies or education. This could involve a degree in film studies, literature, or media, which would equip you with the academic and pedagogical tools necessary to teach film effectively. Ultimately, dedication to cinema is an ongoing process—actively watch, read, learn, and engage, but also create spaces for critical thinking and discussion around film to build your authority and expertise in the field.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Jayden
Glory Jane
Student
2
Answers
Abuja (F.c.t.), FCT
Updated
Glory’s Answer
Here's some advice to really dive deeper:
* Watch beyond your comfort zone: Don't just stick to what you already like. Explore different genres, eras, and directors.
* Read film criticism: Film critics offer insightful perspectives on films, and you can learn a lot from how they analyze movies. Check out websites like The Criterion Collection, Roger Ebert's reviews, or even film journals.
* Take a film studies course: If you can, a class will give you a structured foundation in film theory, history, and analysis.
* Go to film festivals: This is a great way to see new and diverse films, and you can often meet filmmakers and critics.
Keep up the good work!
* Watch beyond your comfort zone: Don't just stick to what you already like. Explore different genres, eras, and directors.
* Read film criticism: Film critics offer insightful perspectives on films, and you can learn a lot from how they analyze movies. Check out websites like The Criterion Collection, Roger Ebert's reviews, or even film journals.
* Take a film studies course: If you can, a class will give you a structured foundation in film theory, history, and analysis.
* Go to film festivals: This is a great way to see new and diverse films, and you can often meet filmmakers and critics.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much!
Jayden
PRIYANKA SIL
5
Answers
Updated
PRIYANKA’s Answer
That feeling you have—that pull toward cinema like it’s more than just a hobby, more than just entertainment—is something special. Wanting to dedicate yourself to film history and teaching means you’re already treating cinema as something sacred, something worth preserving, understanding, and passing on. You’re already doing the work: writing on Letterboxd, curating a space for film on Instagram—these are real acts of love. Now it’s about going deeper. Start watching films not just from different countries and decades, but from forgotten corners—silent cinema, pre-code Hollywood, New Wave movements beyond France (think Iranian, Czech, Japanese). Read film theory, sure, but also seek out biographies of directors, essays, old interviews—listen to how filmmakers talk about their work, and let their language become part of yours.
If you’re thinking of teaching, start small: maybe a blog, a newsletter, or even a community screening night (online or in-person) where you introduce a film and open space for discussion. Reach out to others who love cinema—don’t be afraid to message someone whose taste you admire. Over time, your voice will sharpen, and your insights will deepen—not just because of what you watch, but how much you care. Film studies isn’t just about analysis. It’s about sharing that awe, that ache, that little jolt when you see something that changes you. And you’ve already started doing that. Keep going.
If you’re thinking of teaching, start small: maybe a blog, a newsletter, or even a community screening night (online or in-person) where you introduce a film and open space for discussion. Reach out to others who love cinema—don’t be afraid to message someone whose taste you admire. Over time, your voice will sharpen, and your insights will deepen—not just because of what you watch, but how much you care. Film studies isn’t just about analysis. It’s about sharing that awe, that ache, that little jolt when you see something that changes you. And you’ve already started doing that. Keep going.
Rajesh Deb Barma
Researcher
2
Answers
Agartala, Tripura, India
Updated
Rajesh’s Answer
Discovering your talent is an exciting journey. Sometimes, our talents aren't immediately obvious, either to ourselves or others. But when the right moment comes, you'll recognize them.
Don't stress too much about mastering film history or film teaching. From the moment you chose this path, you knew what you're capable of and what your heart truly desires. Following your heart can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. If you listen to your heart today, tomorrow the world will listen and watch you shine.
Thank you.
Don't stress too much about mastering film history or film teaching. From the moment you chose this path, you knew what you're capable of and what your heart truly desires. Following your heart can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. If you listen to your heart today, tomorrow the world will listen and watch you shine.
Thank you.
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
94
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I know from experience that the University of Southern California has a film studies program in addition to film production. Other universities likely have similar programs that focus on film criticism and history. It's awesome that you're already sharing your work online. Keep looking into what others in the field are doing to get their content noticed.
Good luck on your journey!
Good luck on your journey!