Lead Department
Fine Art and Applied Art, Crawford College of Art & Design
Coordinated by
Padraig Trehy (Padraig.Trehy@mtu.ie)
Active members
35
Purpose
The Crawford Film Forum aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between students and staff from CCAD and CSM. It encourages creative exploration and the development of both curricular and extra-curricular activities that integrate film, design, and performance. The forum creates opportunities for students to explore experimental and creative practices within a supportive environment.
Summary of Activities
2023-24 Academic Year
The 2023-24 academic year marked a dynamic and innovative phase for the Crawford Film Forum. A new performance initiative brought together students from CCAD (Cork Centre for Architectural Design) and CSM (Crawford School of Music) for interdisciplinary collaboration. Weekly rehearsals at CCAD led to a successful public performance at the Pavilion Theatre in May 2024. This performance showcased a collaborative film project made by the students, led by Collette Nolan and Colette Lewis. The project introduced students to the process of analog film, providing valuable hands-on experience in film production.
While the forum’s usual engagement with IndieCork and other festivals was paused due to the refurbishment of the Gate Cinema, we remain committed to fostering relationships with local venues. We are hopeful to reschedule and plan events with the cinema’s new art house screen in the near future.
Learning Community Activities 2023-24
A new initiative focused on performance-based collaboration between CCAD and CSM students.
Weekly rehearsals and the first public performance at the Pavilion Theatre, which included an analog film screening.
Outreach to local film festivals was impacted, though engagement with IndieCork was postponed due to venue changes.
Learning Community Staff Impact 2023-24
The forum facilitated closer collaboration between CCAD and CSM staff members, encouraging interdisciplinary discussions and the development of exciting new activities. Staff involvement helped to strengthen the partnership between the two departments, building a collaborative and supportive environment for students.
Learning Community Student Impact 2023-24
Students from both CCAD and CSM benefitted greatly from the forum’s interdisciplinary approach. They gained hands-on experience in film production and performance, while also being exposed to industry practices. The forum provided a platform for creative experimentation, and feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many students appreciated the opportunity to explore new areas and collaborate with peers from other disciplines.
Learning Community Feedback/Testimonials 2023-24
“Crawford Film Forum's emphasis on experimentation and creativity is truly inspiring. The group are knowledgeable and supportive, offering valuable guidance and feedback throughout the process. The workshops and screenings were well-organized and provided a great platform for students to share their work and learn from one another.” – CCAD Student
“This group has been instrumental in allowing us to look at ways to work together and develop curricular and extra-curricular activities which are interdisciplinary and exciting.” – CSM Staff Member
Learning Community Outputs 2023-24
2024-25 Update
The Crawford Film Forum will continue its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration between CCAD and CSM, aiming for additional public screenings and further involvement with the Cork International Film Festival. We also plan to enhance student engagement in industry events, providing more networking opportunities and collaborative efforts with local industry professionals.
Learning Community Aims/Objectives 2024-25
- Enhance interdisciplinary collaboration between CCAD and CSM students and staff.
- Provide students with opportunities to develop skills in film production, performance, and creative problem-solving.
- Engage students in industry events and networking opportunities to support their professional development.
Learning Community Operational Plan 2024-25
- Continue weekly rehearsals and performance-based collaboration between CCAD and CSM students.
- Host public screenings of student projects.
- Collaborate with Cork International Film Festival and other local film festivals for industry exposure.
- Organise networking events with local industry professionals.
We continued our engagement with both local film festivals (IndieCork and Cork International Film Festival) with students and lecturers attending screenings, workshops and special events which we utilised to network between Crawford College of Art & Design (CCAD), Bishopstown, Cork School of Music (CSM) and Tralee campuses. These discussions lead to the instigation of a Sound and Vision workshop series over the course of the second semester.
