The use of film documentary in social science research: audio-visual accounts of the ‘migration crisis’ from the Italian island of Lampedusa

Abstract

The importance of visual evidence – and particularly films and videos – has become more prominent with the fast pace of technological development that has made filming more easily accessible. Since the early 20th century, films have been used as a data collection method in social science research, but less attention has been given to their potential for research dissemination. It is well documented that visual representations are powerful means to broadcast public discourses. The Arab Spring in 2011 and the increasing movement of people across the Mediterranean Sea are a case in point. Images and videos of people trying to reach Europe have contributed to the construction of what is often referred to as the ‘Mediterranean migration crisis’. In this article, we explore the process of making a film documentary about the people in the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key transitory site for migrants, and how they deal with the challenges of this ‘crisis’ while trying to respond to the local struggles of their isolated community. Drawing on the analysis of ‘audio-visual accounts’ – as the filmed verbal elaborations that broadcast themes emerging from social science research – we reflect on the potential and drawbacks of film documentaries for both knowledge production and research dissemination.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

[1] Link to the film: https://youtu.be/yWwklC6yorc

[2] Luca Vullo is a Sicilian director. His work has focused on Sicily, Italy and migration. See filmography at https://www.lucavullo.com/biographyita?lang=en

[3] The animation is by the graphic designer Voilà Silvia – https://vimeo.com/user41012718

[4] For instance, the 8th Social World Film Festival (Vico Equense) or Cinemambiente (Torino)

[5] Prize as the Sebastiano Gesù (film critic) Award at the 64th Taormina Film Festival 14–20 July 2018

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by UCL.

Notes on contributors

Michela Franceschelli

Michela Franceschelli is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Thomas Coram Research Unit, Department of Social Science, UCL Institute of Education. Her research focuses on migration, youth and the life course, political identities and inequalities. She is also interested in mixed-methods and visual methods. Her monograph ‘Identity and Upbringing in South Asian Muslim Families’ looks at the experiences of young Muslims growing up in Britain and she has recently produced an award winning film documentary based on her research about the community on the Italian island of Lampedusa: ‘Ccà semu, here we are. Lives on hold in Lampedusa’ https://youtu.be/yWwklC6yorc

Adele Galipò

Adele Galipo is a social anthropologist working in the field of migration with an expertise in return. Adele has several years of fieldwork experience working with migrants in East Africa and across Europe. She has authored Return Migration and Nation Building in Africa. Reframing the Somali Diaspora (Routledge), which recasts the idea of diaspora return and transnational ethnography in a more political light. Adele has now joined Queen Mary as a Lecturer in Migration and Health. She is particularly interested in public health as a political field of action, involving complex forms of collaboration among governments, international organisations and NGOs.