This research cluster brings together all those who are interested in exploring the connections between disciplinary sociology and the medium of film. There are a number of members of the department who are exploring these intersections - either through making films, working collaboratively with filmmakers and visual artists, or studying the digital visual artifacts in their research. We aim to create a research community to explore the theoretical and methodological questions that emerge from such practices. These questions include:
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How might insights from visual art and film affect sociological thinking?
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How might sociological thinking affect visual art and filmmaking?
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What are the tensions - in methods, ethics, orientation and practice - when these modes of thinking and producing combine?
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Is there specific productive potential in combining these approaches when the focus of such projects relates to the capacities of digital technologies?
As the questions are theoretical and methodological, they allow connections to be drawn between members of the department working in different empirical locations. Our area of focus encourages us to consider collectively how we might use digital methodologies for engagement, and we plan to encourage participation in our public facing events from visual artists, filmmakers and researchers working outside of the academy and/or outside the UK through hybrid sessions and inviting speakers to participate online.
Format
We plan to host three public events per term. For Easter term 2025, we are planning three events in which films made by, or in collaboration with members of the department are screened and are followed by ‘in conversation’ panels that include both the filmmakers and specialists in the empirical contexts in which the film is based.
Convenors and contact
The cluster is convened by members including Erkan Gürsel, Isabelle Higgins, Tom Kissock-Mamede and Seetha Tan. Please contact Erkan (eg710@cam.ac.uk) and Isabelle (irth2@cam.ac.uk) with any questions.
If you are interested, you can sign up to our mailing list here.