IB Group 6 Subjects - Film SL and HL

Film SL and HL

IB Film can be taken at either the standard level (SL) or higher level (HL). For both levels of IB Film, the candidate must research and write an Independent Study, do a Practical Project and give an oral presentation, based on the close analysis of a 5 minute extract from a film prescribed by the IBO.

The Independent Study is a research project that must be presented in the form of a Documentary Script, in which the candidate undertakes an individual investigation based on a topic of film history or theory. At SL, it should focus on a minimum of 2 films from different cultures, whereas at HL, it should focus on at least 4 films from different cultures. It is marked externally.

The Practical Project takes the form of a short film (4–5 minutes at SL and 6–7 minutes at HL) and a production portfolio and rationale about the work undertaken. The candidate must focus on one of five production roles: Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor or Sound Designer. Additionally, at HL, the candidate must produce an individual trailer of his or her film. (45 seconds-1 minute long). It is marked internally and moderated externally.

The Oral Presentation should focus on a 5-minute extract of a film set by the IBO, which also places the extract on a broader sociohistorical context and in terms of the film as a whole. The presentation lasts 10 minutes at SL and 15 minutes at HL. The IBO chooses 8 films (four from before 1960 and four from after 1960), from which the Film Teacher then chooses 3. The candidates then select from these three. The films analyzed cannot be studied in class.

Film SL is offered online to students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme.