P26b


has 1 film 1
Empirical art: Filmmaking for fieldwork in practice 
Convenors:
Andy Lawrence (University of Manchester)
Martha-Cecilia Dietrich (University of Amsterdam)
Angélica Cabezas-Pino (Universidad de La Frontera)
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Chair:
Peter Ian Crawford (UiT - The Arctic University of Norway)
Format:
Panel Discussion
Start time:
24 March, 2021 at
Time zone: Europe/London
Session slots:
1

Short Abstract:

This panel looks at the modes and impacts of ethnographic filmmaking across the disciplines. We seek to explore how methodological approaches and filmmaking techniques create interpretative spaces through which audiences actively contribute to re-imaginations of complex realities.

Long Abstract:

This panel looks at the modes and impacts of 'filmmaking for fieldwork' techniques across the disciplines. It takes ethnographic filmmaking to be an 'empirical art' that is informed by re-significations of sensory experience and good practice while mediating and exploring relationships between self and other. We consider the unique potential of filmmaking in creating interpretative spaces within the disciplines of social anthropology, politics, history, memory studies, development, international relations and psychology. The four critical areas of documentary practice we will address are: 1) politics and ethics of engagement, 2) negotiating ambiguity, controversy and conflict, 3) narrative approaches in between description and analysis, and 4) transformative potentials in the production and reception of a film. We seek to explore how methodological approaches and filmmaking techniques allow audiences to actively contribute to re-imaginations of complex realities. What balance can be struck between expression and analysis in an era of interdisciplinary and multimodal approaches to ethnography? And what can filmmaking contribute to the making and unmaking of contemporary lifeworlds in times of crisis? Invited practitioners will reflect on completed documentary film projects concerning one of the key areas mentioned above. Contributions will be considered for a forthcoming publication with Manchester University Press.

Session 2: Ethics of engagement

Accepted papers:

Session 1