Fuck the canon (or, how do you solve a problem like von Trier?): Teaching, screening and writing about cinema in the age of #MeToo

Harrison, R. (2018) Fuck the canon (or, how do you solve a problem like von Trier?): Teaching, screening and writing about cinema in the age of #MeToo. MAI: Feminism and Visual Culture, 2,

Abstract

This essay addresses the challenges that curators, critics, exhibitors and teachers face when programming films made by men accused of abuse or sexual violence. Making the case for one radical solution to the problem - not screening any films directed by men at all - the article draws attention to the often neglected works of women filmmakers, and aims to destabilise traditional notions of the white and male cinematic 'canon' by offering other possibilities. Referring to teaching and curatorial practice, as well as primary research, the essay nevertheless eschews typical academic style and referencing systems as a form of feminist praxis that asks the reader to believe women first as experts, and second as survivors of oppression under patriarchy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Harrison, Rebecca
• Authors: Harrison, R.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform; L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2361 Curriculum; N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
• Journal Name: MAI: Feminism and Visual Culture
• Publisher: MAI: Feminism and Visual Culture
• ISSN: 2003-1672
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 MAI: Feminism and Visual Culture
• First Published: First published in MAI: Feminism and Visual Culture 2
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher