Ethnocinematographic Theory. How to Develop Migration Theory Through Ethnographic Filmmaking

Abstract

Film and text can be complementary modes of theory formation in the field of migration studies. If the theoretical potential of filmmaking is recognized in research, this also opens opportunities for teaching migration theory through film. This argument is illustrated here through the project Living like a common man, in which both film and text were used to observe, analyse, and theorize the migration experiences of young Indians to the UK - as ‘middling migration’. The resulting film offers a stand-alone argument that is used as teaching material in courses of migration studies; while accompanying texts make the argument explicit and clarify its significance for migration scholarship.