Teachings
Teaching Background
Philosophy in Motion: Educating Through Experimental Film
Rouzbeh Rashidi is an experimental filmmaking educator and practitioner actively sharing his methodologies since 2019. His principal educational initiative is the EFS Film School, an institution dedicated to studying and practising poetic and personal filmmaking. Rashidi’s pedagogical approach is grounded in his longstanding work with the Experimental Film Society (EFS), which he established in 2000. Drawing on two decades of independent film practice, he has introduced hundreds of students and professionals worldwide to experimental methodologies that combine philosophical inquiry, cinematic exploration, and a commitment to innovative forms of visual expression.
Throughout his tenure at EFS, Rashidi has overseen the collective’s development into a prominent entity in experimental cinema. Under his guidance, EFS has produced a substantial body of no-budget and low-budget feature-length and short films characterized by an emphasis on audacity and formal experimentation. These works reflect a dedication to imaginative risk-taking and exploring new aesthetic territories.
In addition to production, Rashidi has led EFS in curating specialized screenings of experimental films. These events, held in various international contexts, highlight the collective’s commitment to expanding the audience for challenging and unconventional cinema. EFS has fostered dialogue among filmmakers, scholars, and audiences by hosting these curated screenings, further integrating experimental filmmaking into broader cultural and academic conversations.
Rashidi’s contributions as both an educator and a filmmaker continue to influence aspiring directors, cinematographers, and visual artists. His methods emphasize the interplay of poetic expression and philosophical investigation in film practice. The reach of his instruction is evident not only in the range of completed projects associated with EFS but also in the continued engagement of former students who have been inspired to pursue bold, personal approaches to cinema. Through his work at EFS Film School and beyond, Rashidi remains committed to cultivating a rigorous yet exploratory atmosphere that encourages new generations of filmmakers to question, discover, and redefine the possibilities of the medium.
Teaching Methods
Throughout his educational journey, he has transitioned from rigid, prosaic teaching methods to a more lively, intuitive, and evocative pedagogical approach. He infuses his emotionally rich and practically oriented courses with spontaneous explorations of poetic concepts, immersing students in the captivating allure of lyrical expression. By probing the profound philosophical notions woven into the fabric of cinema, he fosters an environment that encourages creative thinking, enabling students to recognize and appreciate the intricate interplay between emotion, fragmented narrative, and visual aesthetics in filmmaking.
Rather than merely perpetuating established filmmaking ideologies, he endeavours to create a compelling cinematic experience that fully engages the audience. He aims to guide students into the mystical, otherworldly realm of personal and experimental cinema, leading them through visually striking yet haunting landscapes and equipping them with the skills and confidence to forge their own unique paths as filmmakers.
His teaching is not purely theoretical but instead functions as an organic extension of his filmmaking practice. The integration of performative lecture elements, combined with lyrical and intuitive guidance, has become a vital component of his effective instructional methodology.
He offers a diverse portfolio of meticulously curated courses, masterclasses, and workshops, each tailored to meet specific learning objectives. These educational programs represent the culmination of years of dedicated teaching, ongoing refinement, and an unwavering commitment to poetic forms of expression. Over time, his courses have received consistently positive feedback from a global community of students, attesting to their effectiveness and to his innovative approach to teaching.
Academic Credentials
As a freelance educator, he consistently collaborates and orchestrates various courses with prestigious institutions such as Universität der Künste Berlin (Udk). His commitment to education is regular and ongoing, reflecting his passion for fostering academic growth.
Between 2021 and 2024, he expertly delivered and conducted a comprehensive series of successful courses and masterclasses at the Berlin Art Institute. Each of these educational programs was thoughtfully designed from scratch, reflecting his commitment to providing authentic and impactful learning experiences. He painstakingly refined every detail, ensuring that each course met the highest standard of quality. His classes and masterclasses quickly gained popularity, earning widespread respect among their participants. This acclaim testifies to his unique teaching skills and the value of the knowledge he imparts. It's noteworthy to mention that his students hailed from all corners of the globe, with individuals from all seven continents making the journey to Berlin specifically to attend his classes. This international aspect of his teachings not only attests to his global appeal but also contributed to creating a diverse, enriched learning atmosphere. The multicultural environment fostered by his classes yielded a highly productive and fertile ground for exchanging ideas, further enhancing the overall educational experience.
In addition to these roles, he has shared his expertise through teaching assignments and masterclasses at several notable institutions worldwide. These include the Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach in Offenbach, Germany; filmArche e.V. in Berlin, Germany; Alma Manusutbildning Film & Dramaserie in Sunne, Värmland County, Sweden; the Tirana International Film Festival in Albania; the Department of Film and Media Studies at University College Cork, Ireland; Kino Armata in Pristina, Kosovo; the Tehran International Short Film Festival in Iran; Baltic Analog Lab in Riga, Latvia; UNATC I. L. Caragiale in Bucharest, Romania; and Lichtenberg Studios in Berlin, Germany. Each of these experiences has provided him with the opportunity to influence and inspire a diverse range of students and professionals in their respective fields.
