How have filmmakers used the camera to investigate their own life experiences, incorporating issues of race, gender, sexuality, class, geography, politics, and socioeconomic status? How do filmmakers turn to historical precursors, both known and unknown, to make deeply personal work? This class expands the boundaries of what we think of as "personal" filmmaking, looking at its history in fiction, documentary, experimental and hybrid works. We will explore the ways in which the archive intersects with (auto) biography--how empathy for stories filmmakers find in the ever expanding public archive of images affects the creative process. Course work includes readings by filmmakers and theorists, exercises, discussions with guest filmmakers, and a final 3-10 minute creative project. Prerequisite FMST 2 or instructor's approval.