Film Matters: Please tell us about your article that is being published in Film Matters.
Ashley R. Spillane: “Iranian Essay Film Practice: A Blind Spot in Film History” aims to prove, through research and analysis, that essay film practice is present in Iranian cinema, using Taxi Tehran (2015), Persepolis (2007), Close-Up (1990), A Moment of Innocence (1996), and The House is Black (1963) as case studies. The article focuses on the essayistic tendencies of these films and investigates the ways in which these traits are reapplied in Iranian contexts, influenced by Iranian culture, history, social norms, and politics.
FM: What research and/or methodologies do you incorporate in your article?
ARS: I studied the essay as a mode of filmmaking in both traditional European/North American contexts and nontraditional Iranian contexts. In addition to watching many European, North American, and Iranian essay films, I referenced research texts on essay film form, Iranian film history, and the Iranian filmmakers themselves.
FM: Describe the original context for/when writing this article while an undergraduate student.
ARS: I wrote this paper for my capstone in Film Studies class on the essay film.
FM: How has your department and/or institution supported your work in film and media?
ARS: The Film Studies department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington has done a great deal to support my work in film. The Film Studies faculty have helped me develop skills in film production and critical studies that have not only helped me do better work, but also helped me in my pursuit of a career in the film industry.
FM: How has your faculty mentor fostered your advancement as a film scholar?
ARS: Dr. Tim Palmer has always challenged me to think deeply and critically about film and ask questions that have yet to be thoroughly explored. He has always been happy to provide me with research resources and thoughtful feedback on not only this article, but other projects I have worked on, including my Honors thesis.
FM: How has the Film Matters editorial and publication process impacted the development/evolution of your article?
ARS: The Film Matters editorial and publication process helped me find the sections of my article that needed improvement. It also helped me broaden the way I think about my topic.
FM: What audience do you hope to reach with your Film Matters article and/or what impact do you hope it has on the field of film studies?
ARS: I hope to reach audiences who are interested in essay film practice or Iranian film practice.
FM: What are your future plans?
ARS: I love Wilmington film, so I plan to stay in the area for a few years while working for Lighthouse Films as Assistant Editor.
Author Biography
Ashley R. Spillane recently graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, earning a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies with a Digital Arts minor. Her passion lies in film audio production and post.
