Additional Lesson 5
Take Action - Making Films

Audio Impact in
“After The Fall”


After this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Identify the impact that music has on them as audience members
  • Analyze how the impact was created by the filmmaker
  • Consider how they might use music in their own films to create desired audience response


In this lesson, students watch “After the Fall” again, focusing specifically on choices made by the filmmakers regarding music and the impact these choices have on them as viewers.

Guiding Questions:

  • How do choices made by filmmakers about music create an impact on the audience?
  • How might we use music to create an impact on our audience when composing our films?

Recommended Time:

60-90 minutes

Common Core State Standards:




Film: “After the Fall: HIV Grows Up”

Considering Audio Impact: Music in “After the Fall” Handout

Technology Required:

  • DVD Player or computer to play film OR computer with Internet access to stream film.
  • Television, SmartBoard or projection equipment.

Lesson Design:

  • Filmmakers make many choices when editing their films. Explain to students that they will watch “After the Fall” again, focusing on how filmmakers use music to best achieve a desired impact on the audience.
  • Review with students the Considering Audio Impact: Music in “After the Fall” handout. Students should document the impact they feel each of the segments has.
  • While screening the film, you may decide to stop after each segment, allowing time for students to write their responses and share.
  • After screening and discussing each segment, provide students with time to discuss the overall impact that music has in the film and to collect and share ideas for using music in their own films.