Memories on film: Using creative methods with seldom heard groups

2014 Conference

Abstract: This presentation revolves around a screening of a short film produced during the course of research involving working alongside people with dementia to co-produce films about their lives and experiences. There will be discussion in the presentation focused on the use of creative methods with groups that are often less heard, with a particular focus on the use of film, pictures, and song. All examples used are taken from the same project where we worked with people living with dementia, using an approach called Participatory Video. This approach concentrates on including people as much as possible in the research process, carrying out research with, rather than ‘on’, people. We want to show how pictures and film helped us to connect with the people with dementia we worked with, and how the chance to be involved in co-creating films gave them a sense of power and control  – something that is often eroded following a dementia diagnosis.

During the presentation we will play audio clips from our work and one of the films produced during this project will be shown. ‘Tally’s Story’ tells the story of a young woman brought up in care, who sprung into independence as soon as she could, powering into adult life on her bicycle.

In total, 10 films were made during the course of this project, and we will refer to several of the participants, including ‘Tally’, as we discuss our work.