Participatory Filmmaking as Research Method
This practical workshop introduces participatory filmmaking as a tool for research, engagement and knowledge exchange. Suitable for researchers across the social sciences, humanities, health sciences, education, geography, community development and interdisciplinary fields. The course explores how collaborative filmmaking can be used to generate knowledge, work ethically with participants, and communicate research beyond academia.
Participants will gain a grounding in the principles of participatory research, learn how video can be integrated into research design and data collection, and explore key ethical considerations including consent, representation, ownership and power. Attendees will work in small groups to develop and produce short collaborative films.
The workshop also examines approaches to analysing audiovisual material, facilitating collaborative interpretation, and using film to support public engagement, impact and dissemination. By the end of the two days, participants will have developed a practical understanding of how participatory video can be applied within their own research contexts and disciplines.
No previous filmmaking experience is required. Participants from all disciplinary backgrounds are welcome.
A two-day workshop for developing theoretical, ethical engagement, and technical skills in participatory filmmaking.
About the Facilitator
Dr Michael Holly is a Lecturer in Film Practice at Queen’s University Belfast, filmmaker and practice-based researcher working across participatory documentary, installation art and experimental film.
His research focuses on the development of nonfiction filmmaking methodologies and participatory practices, with a particular focus on rural and marginalised communities on the island of Ireland.
Michael has exhibited extensively as a visual artist, often working in video installation of nonfiction films, including at Tulca Festival of Visual Arts (2024 & 2022), PUBLICS, Helsinki (2024), Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre (2022), South Tipperary Arts Centre (2022), Riverbank Arts Centre (2018), Nieuwe Vide, Haarlem (2017), Roscommon Arts Centre (2015), and Y Galerii, Tartu (2015).
Since 2018 he has worked in collaboration with artist, filmmaker and sheep farmer Mieke Vanmechelen and her production company Fierce Quiet Films. Together they have co-directed two feature documentaries, Hungry Hill (2023), an ethnographic film on the tensions between the agricultural community and ecological fragility of the Beara Peninsula of Co. Cork, IMMRÁM, made with a community of Gaelic culture revivalists in Ireland who follow the teachings of the enigmatic mystic and philosopher John Moriarty.
Suitable For
PhD Researchers
Postdoctoral Researchers
Research Staff
Community-Engaged Researchers
Public Engagement Professionals
Arts-Based and Practice Researchers
Participants will:
Understand participatory filmmaking theory and practice.
Develop ethical frameworks for collaborative media research.
Explore audiovisual media as a tool for knowledge production.
Design participatory methodologies for research projects.
Learn professional camera, sound and editing techniques.
Produce and collaboratively edit a short film.
Apply participatory filmmaking to research, engagement and impact activities.
