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This PhD by practice consists of a documentary film and written critical commentary. The film is edited from archival and contemporary material gathered prior to and during undertaking PhD research. The aim is to produce an intimate documentary from the perspective of the Padstow community about their May Day custom known as the Obby Oss. The written thesis is the critical study of the collaborative filmmaking process using intangible cultural heritage (ICH) principles and theories as a framework. The study examines Padstow's visual past to explore transformative ways of representing Cornish culture and identity. ICH provides a lens to consider if documentary film can support the protection of local communities and their customs.
The thesis examines the multifaceted relationships between place, community and filmmaker – three key aspects of my practice. Mike Pearson, Lucy Lippard and David and Judith MacDougall will be referenced. The ethical issues of power, permissions and authenticity, as illustrated in the work of Jean Rouch, Mandy Rose and Amber Films and Photography, will also be discussed. Unlike other studies, this PhD focuses on an immersive film practice that collaborates with Padstow people to interpret their visual archive, which has been little discussed to date. Padstow and its May Day custom have been well documented in literature and audio-visual material for over 200 years. Audio- visual material surveyed includes South West Film and TV Archive, Alan Lomax, and Doc Rowe.
The multi-layered tension between tradition and progress, local and incomer is analysed in the thesis. By utilising a practice-based methodology, the importance of cultural identity and the relevance of tradition in our globalised society is investigated through film and collaboration. The thesis questions how the film medium might enable novel ways of raising broader questions relating to Cornish culture, identity, historiography and narratives of place. |
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