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Understanding Cinema


Adult Learning / Hobbies -
Winter/Spring 2025 Adult

This course is for cinema-fanatics, film-buffs, and movie-lovers. It will introduce you to the birth of cinema and a journey through a variety of genres and styles important to the progression of cinema; be it western, suspense, sports, sci-fi, action, or musical. We will explore historical references, basic plot structure, Mise en Scene, and other contributing factors. While learning the language of film, you will gain the knowledge of effectively discussing and critiquing movies. We will screen various films, in clips or in their entirety, while exploring certain genres and sub-genres of cinema; traditional vs. non-traditional plot structures; and character development and variations. Welcome to the movies, sit back and enjoy the show!

*This class has two sessions, 5/29/25 & 6/5/25.

* The rating of films or clips seen in class will range between PG and R (usually PG-13). Discover more about movie ratings here .

Brad Perrin-Smith

My college education was in Fine Arts and Media Arts, where I concentrated in drawing, illustration, design, photography, and filmmaking, both on the east coast and here in Minnesota. After receiving a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD), I worked there for over 20 years, as Film Technician, Media Center Director, and then Director of Academic Support, supporting the film and photography curriculum and teaching sound production. I then went on to teach digital photography, video production, and computer applications in high school for another 19 years. My personal work has primarily been travelogue and fine art photography, as well as short experimental films early in my career, and freelance work in various mediums.

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WS25-2-97-01

  Brad Perrin-Smith


Central Middle School : Room 314
Thu May 29 & Thu Jun 5
6:00 - 9:00 PM

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Min Age   18 yr.

Price: $ 59 00