Episode 4 - Dr Sarah Attfield - Writer & Academic - Class on Screen

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In this Episode:

Exploring Working-Class Representation in Film: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Attfield

In this episode of 'Not A Rich Kid,' host Cath chats with Dr. Sarah Attfield about her book 'Class on Screen: The Global Working Class in Contemporary Cinema.' They delve into Sarah’s background, academic journey, and the inspiration behind her work, driven by her own experiences growing up on a council estate in the UK. The conversation covers the commonalities of the working-class experience across cultures, the significance of working-class representation in media, and the unique humour and community spirit found within these narratives. Sarah also discusses the challenges faced by working-class students in accessing higher education and the importance of creating authentic stories that resonate with working-class audiences.

 

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sarah Attfield

02:58 Sarah's Early Life and Education

04:48 Discovering a Passion for Art

06:44 University Challenges and Triumphs

09:12 The Journey to Academia

13:31 Class Awareness and Community

23:58 Representation in Media and Society

28:17 Class Perception in Australia

30:26 Australian Class Dynamics

30:53 Experiences of Being the Only Working-Class Person

32:15 Class Assumptions and Offenses

33:15 Authenticity in Working-Class Film Representation

36:13 Humour in Working-Class Films

37:04 Ken Loach's Impact and Reception

38:59 Challenges in Accessing Working-Class Films

46:57 Encouraging Working-Class Students to Pursue Higher Education

55:25 Representation of Working-Class Women in Film

56:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sarah’s publications: https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Sarah.Attfield/publications

Also discussed: 

• Andrea Arnold
• Ken Loach
• Aki Kaurismäki
• Tsai Ming Liang

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Tell us who you would like to hear from. Is there someone we should invite on the podcast? Let us know! 

The Not a Rich Kid Team: 

• Kath Dolheguy 
• Frankie Kanatas
• Sarah Ryan-Linstrom 

Theme song: 

‘Barry Michael Takes a Train’ by Sand Pebbles - Written & performed by Ben Michael and performed and mixed by Murray Ono Jamieson. 

Not a Rich Kid would not be possible without the support of:  

• Creative Victoria who provided funding for the first season. 
• VCA who provided studio space