Asian cinema presents a vibrant blend of narrative, visual, and cultural diversity, dating back to the early 20th century.

This course introduces the pioneers of classical cinema in countries like Japan, China, India, and Iran, while exploring how political, social, and philosophical contexts shaped cinematic expression in the region.

Major movements such as Iranian realism, Japanese art cinema (with figures like Kurosawa and Ozu), and India’s commercial Bollywood are examined in depth.

The course also includes comparative studies of Southeast Asian, Korean, and Central Asian cinema.

Film analysis, narrative techniques, visual storytelling, and recurring themes like family, fate, nature, and identity form the core of this course.

Students will gain a nuanced understanding of the common threads and unique distinctions within Asian cinema’s cultural landscape.