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This project was born out of a longstanding collaboration with Converge, a pioneering organisation providing university-level courses for mental health service users. Inspired by our 2016 film "Stepping Through," we sought to explore how interactive media could offer a richer, more nuanced representation of mental health experiences in participatory filmmaking.
This project was born out of a longstanding collaboration with Converge, a pioneering organisation providing university-level courses for mental health service users. Inspired by our 2016 film "Stepping Through," we sought to explore how interactive media could offer a richer, more nuanced representation of mental health experiences in participatory filmmaking.
What is Participatory Filmmaking?
Participatory filmmaking is an approach where the subjects of the film are not just participants but co-creators. Instead of being passive subjects in front of the camera, they actively contribute to the creation process, sharing their perspectives, stories, and decisions about how they want to be represented. This method is particularly powerful in contexts like mental health, where the lived experiences of individuals are complex and deeply personal.
In this project, participatory filmmaking allowed the Converge participants to shape their narratives in a way that felt authentic to them. By involving them in every step of the process, from initial concept to final edit, we ensured that the resulting film was a true reflection of their collective and individual experiences.
What is Interactive Documentary?
Interactive documentary is a form of storytelling that breaks away from the traditional linear narrative of film. Unlike conventional documentaries, where the story unfolds in a predetermined sequence, interactive documentaries allow viewers to engage with the content in a non-linear way, choosing different paths or perspectives based on their interests and emotions.
This approach is particularly effective for projects like ours, where the goal is to represent multiple voices and perspectives—what we refer to as polyvocality. In the context of mental health, every individual’s experience is unique, and a single, linear narrative can be too restrictive to capture the full spectrum of these experiences.
Why Combine Participatory Filmmaking and Interactive Documentary?
Combining participatory filmmaking with interactive documentary was a natural progression for this project. Participatory filmmaking ensured that the participants’ voices were central to the creation process, while the interactive documentary format provided the flexibility to present these voices in a non-linear, multifaceted way. This combination allowed us to create a dynamic, layered narrative that respects the complexity of mental health experiences, offering a more inclusive and empathetic viewing experience.
By merging these two approaches, we were able to not only capture the depth of each participant’s story but also to empower the audience to engage with the material in a way that is personally meaningful, fostering a deeper connection to the narratives presented.
The Team
Simona Manni is a participatory filmmaker and researcher in interactive media working with non-linear storytelling (multiple stories created by people who have lived experience of different conditions and circumstances) and co-creation to unpack complex issues.
Hi, I'm Adam Bell, 42, from Selby. I've been involved in this stepping Through project for 8 years, it has been the most fantastic, rewarding project I've ever done.
I started at Converge in 2011 after a breakdown in my mental health.
I've been a Converge student, Mentor, ambassador and Out of Character Theatre performer and in the years that followed I met Simona when she popped in to do some filming for us at the Out of Character Theatre Company.
We all get on really well and we are a talented creative group of friends.
Nathan Fearon is a long term Converge member and an Out of Character Theatre Company performer.
Paul Gowland is a Senior Mental Health Recovery Worker and Creativity Coordinator by profession.
Paul is a former Converge student, Tutor and mentor who co-facilitated the Converge Film Course as well as a number of Converge Music courses. Paul is also a freelance filmmaker who predominantly works with local theatre companies as well as generating works in his creative employment and his independent personal endeavours under Gowiegow_film_photography/ Gowiegow Studios.
Paul is a musician both as a solo artist under the name Eyes To The Floor and collaboration band Cherry Jack. Paul is a former musician of the band 1/2/6 which was formed with former students of Converge. Paul is also the author of the book 'DARK', a collection of poetry.
To find out more please visit @eyestothefloor.music / @Cherryjackmusic / @126band @gowiegow_film_photography / @gowiegowfilms
Hi, I'm Wayne Hurton I'm 63 and I joined Converge in 2011.
I've been a student, Mentor, Ambassador and I'm a member of Out of Character Theatre Company. In the 8 years we've worked together our friendship is just as strong and special.
We're a most creative team of friends.
This project builds on ongoing research in the field of interactive media and mental health. Our findings have been published in leading journals, contributing to the academic conversation on the power of narrative in promoting mental health awareness and empathy.
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