a participatory interactive film on shared experiences in mental health
Welcome to Stepping Through, an innovative exploration into the intersection of mental health and interactive media.
This project redefines how we capture and share lived experiences of mental health. Through the lens of participatory filmmaking and interactive documentary, we invite you to delve into stories of recovery, resilience, and the power of community.
Stepping Through resulted in a participatory interactive documentary created by five men with lived experience of mental health problems. The film uses documentary and video poetry to explore emotions and feelings associated with recovery and the role that isolation and community play into it.
This research project resulted from a collaboration between the University of York and Converge, an organisation offering courses for adults with lived experiences of mental-ill health.
Our project aims to:
- Enhance participatory filmmaking with interactive documentary techniques.
- Amplify diverse perspectives on mental health recovery.
- Foster empathy and reduce stigma through innovative storytelling.
The project comprised of three phases. In Phase 1, we revisited the 2016 film "Stepping Through," a short film uncovering untold personal perspectives on loneliness and recovery. In Phase 2, we worked with participants to co-create an interactive version of the film, incorporating new storylines and a unique navigation interface to personalise the viewing experience. In Phase 3, the film was evaluated with 100 audience members with varying levels of mental health awarness.
Ready to explore? Watch the interactive documentary and discover powerful stories of recovery.