The use of film documentary in social science research: audio-visual accounts of the ‘migration crisis’ from the Italian island of Lampedusa

Abstract

The importance of visual evidence -and particularly films and videos-has become more prominent with the fast pace of technological development that has made filming more easily accessible. Since the early 20 th century, films have been used as a data collection method in social science research, but less attention has been given to their potential for research dissemination. It is well documented that visual representations are powerful means to broadcast public discourses. The Arab Spring in 2011 and the increasing movement of people across the Mediterranean Sea are a case in point. Images and videos of people trying to reach Europe have contributed to the construction of what is often referred to as the 'Mediterranean migration crisis'. In this article, we explore the process of making a film documentary about the people in the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key transitory site for migrants, and how they deal with the challenges of this 'crisis' while trying to respond to the local struggles of their isolated community. Drawing on the analysis of 'audio-visual accounts' -as the filmed verbal elaborations that broadcast themes emerging from social science research -we reflect on the potential and drawbacks of film documentaries for both knowledge production and research dissemination.

Moving images, Moving Methods: Advancing Documentary Film for Qualitative Research

“…Previous research has described the value of documentary film for supporting collective authorship and partnership (Cunsolo Willox et al, 2012; Harper et al, 2012; Munro & Bilbrough, 2018; Wilson, 2015). Further, communities around the world have recognized the importance of documentary film for advancing their priorities, aligning with their values, and enhancing their lives (Franceschelli & Galipò, 2020; Gleghorn, 2013; Spiegel et al, 2020; Wachowich, 2018). While our project was experienced within a specific cultural context, we believe a range of qualitative studies can center documentary film as part of the research design, or the research design in and of itself.…”

“…In contrast with other forms of film and video-based media, documentary film has a particular emphasis on creatively recording reality (Aufderheide, 2008). Documentary film and video have been used for a range of purposes, including for: ethnographic research (Heath et al, 2010;Margolis & Pauwels, 2011); the observation of social interaction and interpersonal relations (Rosenstein, 2002); cross-cultural research (Messier, 2019;Zemits et al, 2015); a strategy for education (Warmington et al, 2011), and an approach to investigate social issues (Franceschelli & Galipò, 2020;Friend & Caruthers, 2016). Although there are notable disciplinary and technological differences in the terminology related to documentary film and video, the scope of this article considers any kind of moving image (i.e., film or digital video) of any length of time (e.g., from short video to feature-length film).…”

“…With the emergence of increasingly accessible and affordable digital technology, audio-visual media has unlocked myriad possibilities for the documentation, creation, preservation, and sharing of digital content, data, and information (Franceschelli & Galipò, 2020; Heath et al, 2010; Jewitt, 2012). Subsequently, new choices and opportunities are available for social and health research, including the use of audio-visual media as a strategy for expanding existing, or developing new, innovative analytical and methodological approaches; enhancing data management strategies; and mobilizing research results and knowledge in creative ways (Jewitt, 2011; Rieger et al, 2020).…”

Film Dokumenter Sebagai Metode Alternatif Penelitian Komunikasi

“…Teknologi digital mendorong inovasi penelitian dalam ranah ilmu sosial dan rumpun ilmu terapan, seperti ilmu komunikasi. Media audio-visual yang ditopang dengan teknologi membuka peluang baru dalam praktik penelitian, serta menawarkan kemudahan akses dan keterjangkauan (Franceschelli & Galipò, 2020;Heath et al, 2010). Media audio-visual tidak hanya sekadar menawarkan data informasi yang kaya (González-Bailõn, 2013;Parks, 2014) atau digunakan sebagai sarana diseminasi, namun juga memberikan peluang untuk pengembangan metode alternatif dalam penelitian.…”

Co-Designing Evidence-Based Videos in Health Care: A Case Exemplar of Developing Creative Knowledge Translation “Evidence-Experience” Resources

“…Some video-mediated storytelling approaches demonstrate significant impacts, even on physiological outcomes such as blood pressure (Houston et al, 2011). Documentary film as a research methodology rooted in story reflects another powerful way of communicating and reflecting the narratives and positions encountered in our individual and shared experiences of the social world (Franceschelli & Galipò, 2020).…”