Film Beyond Borders: A documentary film-making pedagogy

Authors

  • Saskia Wilson Sheffield Hallam University
  • Craig Patterson Sheffield Hallam University
  • Peter Spence Sheffield Hallam University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7190/jostle.v1i1.637

Keywords:

collaboration, pedagogy, curriculum, documentary film-making

Abstract

This paper examines collaborative approaches to harnessing the power of storytelling for change and considers the process of working with students, grass roots organisations, campaigners and activists from migrant communities to make films that have an impact and a legacy for all those involved. This approach is inspired by Freire’s ideas of critical pedagogy and the curriculum as praxis (Freire, 1970) and Childress’s call for just documentary practice (Towards a Just Filmmaking Model, 2021) where those with first-hand experience are situated at the centre of film practice. The paper assesses the impact of this storytelling for change in student learning and development across multiple disciplines and the potential of the Film Beyond Borders project to deliver valuable inter-cultural skills at home and abroad.

References

Childress, S. (2021, March 2). Towards a Just Filmmaking Model. International Documentary Association (IDA). https://www.documentary.org/feature/towards-just-filmmaking-model

Freire, P. (2017). Pedagogy of the oppressed (M. B. Ramos, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published 1970).

Sheffield Hallam University Teaching and Learning Conference 2026 Book of Abstracts

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Published

2026-07-07

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): SoTL@SHU Learning and Teaching Conference 2026 Book of Abstracts

Section

Improving Learning — Practice, Pedagogy & Student Outcomes

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Saskia Wilson, Craig Patterson, Peter Spence

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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