Dimitris Papadopoulos
Dimitris Papadopoulos studied pedagogy, social exclusion, film & media education/literacy and holds a PhD from the AUTH, Thessaloniki, Greece. He teaches Film Education/Literacy as well as issues of the relationship between Culture, Art and Pedagogy at the Department of Creative Media and Industries of the University of Thessaly. He is the author of two books (one collective). He is scientific manager of the “Regional Network of Film Education”. He has organized numerous Film Education workshops for pupils, students and teachers. He has directed short films and three feature documentaries with participations and awards in international festivals. He is also involved with photography.
Film Literacy Education in Greece
In the 21st century, audiovisual and digital media dominate the lives of children and young people. A 2009 meta-analysis of European literature, confirmed the diverse positive effects of film education programs in the context of formal education. The presentation will address the theoretical and practical approach of the School of Film at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to film education and audience development. It is a case study, unique in Greece. Since 2010, it has included in its curriculum, courses in “Film Pedagogy”. We argue that this is an effective practice of creating literate audiences in audiovisual media. Moreover, its inclusion in the school curriculum is the best practice for the inclusion, empowerment and removal of social exclusions of vulnerable social groups of children and young people. Indicatively, we have implemented “Film Pedagogy” programs in public schools, in intercultural schools, in schools with Roma pupils, in special schools, etc. A pilot survey in 2017 showed significant positive results from the implementation of the program. A new survey is now underway. In addition, the film school participates in a network with ten partners, having scientific responsibility. In this network, teachers are trained, who in turn are invited to transfer the knowledge they acquire to their classroom or to train other teachers.