Set Components as a Modern Narrative: A Study of Selected Feature Fiction Films on the Genocide against the Tutsi.
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Date
2019-07
Authors
Dusabe, Roger Philbert
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study aims at making meaning of set components in historical fiction films on the
1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The argument is that when it comes to historical
feature films, emphasis tends to be put on the general theme that the films tackles,
highlighting the major turning points of the depicted historical events at the expense of
the world the event is set in. The research also adopts the idea that a society relates fully
and retains knowledge of an event that happened long time ago, through understanding
the conditions surrounding the event in question. This study strives to establish the
validity of element of fiction films as historical sources by establishing the relationship
between set components and the narrative structure in the selected films; describing the
signs of historicity in the selected films using set components; and examining the sociopolitical
and economic function of set components from selected films in the filmic
depiction of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The study sampled films on the
Genocide against the Tutsi that are feature and fiction due to the type of desired data.
Making meaning of how style and technique are used to express the artist’s idea in film
is the ultimate purpose of this study, a formalist approach guides the textual analysis
and interpretation of the films selected which are Terry George’s Hotel Rwanda (2004),
Michael Caton-Jones’ Shooting Dogs (2005), Raoul Peck’s Sometimes in April (2005),
and Philippe Van Leeuw’s The Day God Walked Away (2009). The study finds that set
components fulfill three (3) functions. The first is the role set components play towards
highlighting other elements of the same artwork. The second function which is much
larger is the specific role set components fulfill towards the artwork’s general themes
and as a whole. The third function steps outside the artwork and involves the viewers
as set components find meaning assigned to them in relation to the viewing audience in
a certain context. The study argues the importance attached to accuracy in film and
contextualizes the impact of anachronisms vis-a-vis the intended meaning.
Description
A Thesis Submitted In Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts (Film Studies)In the School Of Creative and Performing Arts, Film and Media Studies Of Kenyatta University.July 2019