Applications to our Summer School are now open!
This program introduces international students to Chinese cinema and filmmaking through the study of film theory and history combined with practical hands-on experience. Offering an overview of the development of cinema in China over the last four decades, the program helps students gain knowledge of key issues and events in modern and contemporary history and culture. Students explore Chinese cinema in the context of the international, domestic and transnational film industries, while the practical activities encourage teamwork and creative problem-solving. Through two unique pathways designed to cater to both experienced filmmakers and newcomers to the industry, the program helps students gain knowledge of key issues and events in modern and contemporary history and culture, while equipping them with required practical skills.
Pathway
Pathway 1: ARRI Certified Training for Camera Systems
This course offers students ARRI Certified Training for Camera Systems. Delivered in the afternoon over 4 days. Upon completion, you will have strengthened your knowledge of the functionality of the ARRI ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF. You will also receive a detailed introduction to the REVEAL Colour Science, ARRI Textures, ARRIRAW and other recording formats, ARRI look workflows, and the ARRI Electronic Control System.
Pathway 2: Beginner Filmmaking
For those new to filmmaking, this course provides an introductory overview of fundamental filmmaking techniques, enabling students to develop basic camera, sound, and editing skills from both aesthetic and technical perspectives. The pathway is designed to establish a solid foundation in visual storytelling, focusing on both the creative and practical aspects of filmmaking. Students will have access to professional audio-visual equipment and receive hands-on training, helping them gain confidence in using industry-standard tools. The primary aim of the course is for learners to collaborate on an independent filmmaking task, which they will shoot and edit.
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Students will have access to professional audio-visual equipment and receive hands-on training, helping them gain confidence in using industry-standard tools. The primary aim of the course is for learners to collaborate on an independent filmmaking task, which they will shoot and edit. This practical exercise encourages teamwork, creative problem-solving, and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge learned in the morning lectures specific to Chinese cinema.
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Students participating in the summer school will be taken on guided tours to various cultural institutions including Hengdian World Studios and Hangzhou city.
Fast Facts
- Date: 9 -17 June
- Location: University of Nottingham Ningbo China
- Language: English
- Target group: International students from partner universities of UNNC
- Teaching method: Interactive lectures, case studies, practice and field trips
- Fees: Tuition, on-campus accommodation (standard room at LA Hotel) and meals during the summer school are covered by UNNC
- Application deadline: 30 April 2025
Tentative Schedule
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Date/Time
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09:00-12:00: Lectures and Seminars
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14:00-17:00: Practical Workshops (Pathway 1 and Pathway 2)
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8 June
(Sunday)
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Group Arrival
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9 June
(Monday)
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Opening Ceremony & Introduction to UNNC and the course
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ARRI Certified Training for Camera Systems Pathway (1): Lab tour of the school's facilities, including the high-end camera systems specific to the ARRI Certified Camera Systems course.
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Beginner Filmmaking Pathway (2): Lab tour of the school's facilities, including the audio-visual filmmaking equipment students will use on the course.
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10 June
(Tuesday)
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Chinese Cinema – Historical Beginnings
Dr. Mary J. Ainslie
This introductory lecture will begin by exploring the meaning of 'Chineseness', 'national cinema' and 'cinema studies'. The class will address early Chinese film history and in particular the development of Chinese cinema in the 1930s and 1940s and how this became significant throughout the region.
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Day 1: Introduction to ARRI Alexa and System Overview
This session introduces the ARRI Alexa camera system, highlighting its key features, applications, and hardware components. Participants will learn to navigate the menu system and use the Web-Remote interface, followed by a hands-on session to familiarise themselves with the camera.
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Day 1: Introduction to Basic Camera Configuration and Composition
In this session, students will learn the basics of camera configuration, starting with an introduction to the exposure triangle and manual settings. The session will also cover techniques in camera composition and movement.
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11 June
(Wednesday)
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Fifth Generation + Screening
Dr Corey Schultz
This session examines the filmmaking aesthetics of the Fifth Generation of Chinese filmmakers, analysing how various cinematic forms and their impact on the international art film circuit in the 1980s. It involves 1 hour discussion and then screening of Raise the Red Lantern (Zhang Yimou, 1991)
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Day 2: Camera Accessories, Recording Formats, and Workflow
On the second day, we’ll cover essential accessories, including mounts, lenses, and filters, along with recording media and formats. Participants will gain an understanding of ARRIRAW, REC 709, and Log C workflows. The day concludes with a hands-on session to apply these concepts practically.
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Day 2: Introduction to Basic Sound Recording for Film
In this session, students will be introduced to basic sound recording techniques, emphasizing the importance of sound in narrative cinema. The session will conclude with a hands-on practical activity that integrates both sound and camera systems, allowing students to also build on the skills developed in the previous session.
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12 June
(Thursday)
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Sixth Generation and the New Documentary Film Movement + Screening
Dr Corey Schultz
This session examines how film aesthetics shifted during China’s Sixth Generation and how their works were received and interpreted abroad. Finally, it examines China’s New Documentary Film Movement of the 1990s and 2000s, and how the aesthetics of China’s documentary films have shifted over the past forty years. It involves 1 hour lecture, and the screening of Still Life (Jia Zhangke, 2006) & Dong (Jia Zhangke, 2006)
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Day 3: Advanced Features and Metadata Management
The third day begins with a recap of previous sessions, followed by an exploration of ARRI Looks and the Electronic Control System. Participants will also learn about metadata management. Another hands-on session is included to reinforce learning and allow for creative exploration.
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Day 3: Independent Group Filming
In this session, students will complete a short filmmaking activity independently in their groups. They will apply and further develop the skills learned in the previous two sessions. Students are expected to work collaboratively within their groups and use the footage they capture for editing during the post-production session the following day.
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13 June
(Friday)
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Negotiating Film Distribution in Contemporary China: Strategies for Ethnic Minority Filmmakers.
Dr Lei Hao
This course explores the complex film distribution ecosystem in contemporary China from the perspective of ethnic minority filmmakers. It examines how these filmmakers secure funding, navigate traditional and digital distribution channels, and harness social media to promote and sustain their creative endeavors. Through a series of case studies and critical discussions, students will analyze the negotiation processes with streaming platforms, major production companies, and other industry stakeholders, and assess how these interactions influence creative decisions, narrative forms, and cultural representation. Drawing on media ecology and cultural studies frameworks, the course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics in Chinese filmmaking and the strategic responses of ethnic minority voices within this landscape.
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Day 4: ARRI Colour Science, Assessment, and Certification
The final day focuses on ARRI’s colour science and how it impacts image quality and aesthetics. Participants will engage in practical exercises during the hands-on session, followed by a quiz to assess their knowledge. The course concludes with a graduation ceremony to mark their certification.
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Day 4: Introduction to Post-Production
In this session, students will be taught basic editing techniques and guided on how to use Adobe Premiere Pro in the university's state-of-the-art Apple Mac Lab. They will be expected to complete their own version of an edit using the footage they captured during the previous day's session.
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14 June
(Saturday)
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Weekend activities – Visiting Hengdian World Studios (TBC)
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15 June
(Sunday)
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Weekend activities – Visiting Hangzhou (TBC)
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16 June
(Monday)
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Sinophone and Diaspora Chinese Cinema.
Dr Zhaoyu Zhu
Through the case studies on The Farewell and Everything Everywhere All Once, this class will use the term Sinophone to understand how the contemporary diaspora filmmakers negotiate with their identity conflicts in the era of multiculturalism, and how they challenge the long-standing yellow peril and stereotypical representations of Chinese in Hollywood.
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Chinese Cinema Overseas
Dr. Mary J. Ainslie
This final session will examine the importance of Chinese cinema internationally as a form of Chinese Soft Power. It will examine case studies such as Made in Thailand and Wolf Warrior 2, to explore how China represents and engages with the international context through film. Likewise, it will explore the reception of these films internationally, indicating how they function as an important means of international diplomacy.
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17 June
(Tuesday)
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Discussion and showcase of Student work throughout the course (pathway 2 only)
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Group reflections and Certificate Awarding Ceremony
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18 June
(Wednesday)
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Group Departure
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How to Apply
We invite students from UNNC’s partner universities to apply for the programme. Interested applicants should follow the instructions below:
- Complete the online: Application Form
- Please send a copy of your student status letter issued by your home university, a copy of your passport and a recent photo of yourself (Size: between 354mm*472mm and 420mm*560mm; larger than 40 KB; without a hat, on a plain white background, taken within 6 months) to international-summer-school@nottingham.edu.cn.
- After receiving your complete application and supporting documents, we will process your application and inform you of the result within one week.
Contact
Global Engagement Office
Email: international-summer-school@nottingham.edu.cn