This project was a collaboration between researchers from the University of Bristol, Creative Shift and Wellspring Settlement. Funding awarded by the Public Engagement team at the University of Bristol from the Research England QR Participatory Research Fund (QR PRF) 2023-24 - Making Change Together Fund (DARO).
Tot Foster
Nick Gray
I'm Dr Tot Foster. I trained in filmmaking at the National Film and Television School and had a career in broadcasting before becoming a researcher. I recently worked on the major project Connecting through Culture as we Age at the School of Education in Bristol University, supporting engagement for older people with arts and culture. My interests lie in democratising the filmmaking process – empowering people who don’t often have a voice to tell their stories.
I'm Dr Nick Gray and I recently completed my PhD in education and film at the University of Bristol. My research involves participatory filmmaking in communities. I'm particularly interested in the potential of filmmaking projects like this one to increase the visibility of people who are often not represented, and sometimes misrepresented, in the mainstream media. The We're Here project was a fantastic opportunity to work with people from across the community.
Beki Lines
Jude Hutchen
My name is Beki Lines, I'm one of three directors of Creative Shift CIC and area lead for South Bristol. We are a small team of dedicated arts on referral creative health practitioners committed to supporting people experiencing social isolation and mental or physical health challenges across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Art-making is proven to support positive mental health and wellbeing. The creative process transports people away from everyday stresses and worries, promoting relaxation, delight, curiosity, connection, a sense of achievement and wonder. Taking part in this film making project was inspiring. I have loved seeing how the ideas for the films developed and how participants were able to tell their stories creatively in a different way and connect emotionally with an audience.
I'm Jude Hutchen, creative research coordinator at Wellspring Settlement.