Capturing Research on Film

• In Event: Transnational STS Media-Making: Producing Films and Videos for Research, Classroom and Beyond

Abstract

Since 2006, I have been engaged with science documentary filmmaking. After creating films to inspire and to encourage STEM diversity, I undertook a three-year project studying the relationship between a small town and a large telescope in South Africa. I proposed that the research output be a film to be shared with the communities involved. The switch from inspirational documentaries to presenting complex social issues on film (in two languages) was challenging. The communities involved embraced my efforts, however other audiences have been not as enthusiastic. I invite discussion around issues of research integrity, popularization, STS audiences, and the life cycle of documentaries.

Author

• Jarita Holbrook, University of the Western Cape