Audio Visual Recordings of Memories from Political Conflict

Abstract

The research journey which this practice-led project undertook describes and analyses the use of documentary filmmaking in the audio visual recording of memories from political conflict. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, three distinct, but related, research questions can be identified. The first and most consistent asks what is the significance of collaboration between the filmmaker and the participants. The second questions the effect of location on the performance and structure of memory-telling. The third asks to what use the edited material can be put in both personal and public spheres. The thesis is published in both written and audio visual interrelated texts, which can be read separately but benefit from being read in reference to each other. Four DVDs cover memories from the Troubles in the North of Ireland (1970-2000) and one DVD addresses the legacy of the Apartheid era in South Africa. The written text contextualises and reflects on the audio visual recording processes and productions.