NMDS
5452

Counter-Curating: Alternative Film Festivals

Schools of Public Engagement: Media

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Graduate Course
Degree Students
Curating Alt Film Festivals
Spring 2026
Taught By: Inney Prakash
Section: A

CRN: 15007

Credits: 3

This course will explore the history, philosophy and present landscape of film curation geared against the market imperatives of the mainstream film industry and the blind-spots of traditional film festivals. Emphasis will be placed on aesthetically and politically radical work and practices— and we will work together through debate and discussion to define those terms, considering the roles of race, gender, sexuality, capitalism, global orientation and artistic form in galvanizing countercultural film festivals. A selection of short/excerpted texts, film screenings/assignments and guest speakers will flesh out this history, resulting in individual research assignments and informed curatorial proposals. Students will gain first-hand experience throughout the semester by participating in the selection process for Prismatic Ground, a New York festival centered on experimental documentary and avant-garde work, which is scheduled annually in May.

Open to: all Graduate Students. Undergraduate Juniors and Seniors with permission from the program.
Prerequisites: No Prerequisites
Co-Requisites: No Co-requisites

College: Schools of Public Engagement (NS)

Department: Media (MED)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Repeat Limit: N/A

Add/Drop Deadline: February 3, 2026 (Tuesday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 14, 2026 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 9:18pm EDT 10/17/2025

Meeting Info:
Days: Monday
Times: 6:00pm - 7:50pm
Building: Eugene Lang 65 W11th
Room: 500
Date Range: 1/21/2026 - 5/12/2026