This workshop, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and set to take place on Tuesday 14 September, aims to examine and discuss some of the exciting new viewing practices in relation to screen media and social networking apps in the field of Black British and British Asian diaspora screen media.
The online digital environment has expanded exponentially during the COVID pandemic: the lockdowns and closure of public venues like cinemas, theatres and exhibition spaces have made many turn to the virtual world for entertainment: i.e. screening platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer, while social networking apps like TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, have increasingly become vital portals for audience response and intercommunication.
The impact of this massive shift in viewing practices is a framing question for this workshop. It will focus on the changing creation, delivery and consumption patterns of black British and British Asian screen media, including its greater sensitivities in representation especially in relation to intersectionality (i.e. race, ethnicity, gender, class, disability, sexuality - especially LGBTQI). Recent films and series that participants of the network’s first workshop have discussed or written blogs on include Man from Mobeen, Gurinder Chadha’s Blinded by the Light, Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You, Small Axe - all these and others will be up for discussion.
The workshop will fall into two parts. The first part of the day will cover the visual imprint and record of diasporic screen media in terms of its collectibles and preservation: memorabilia, ephemera, film and popular music archives and exhibitions in the virtual space. All participants are urged to bring one image or memorable item from a film or TV series they have seen, whether it be a poster, flier, a particular image or YouTube clip, for discussion. With your permission, a selection of these will be featured on the network’s website.
The second half of the day will examine the use of new digital apps like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and their transformative effect on social networking and media communication related to black British and British Asian screen media.
The day will be introduced by the network’s PI, Professor Janet Wilson, the Co-I, Professor Rajinder Dudrah, and Research Coordinator, Dr David Simmons. There will be a screening of the network’s recent film made by Nathan Dodzo, on viewing patterns in lockdown, and a round table discussion of the impact and relevance of social media apps in the afternoon.
The event will run from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and is open to anyone with an interest in Diaspora Screen Media. If held as a face to face event, refreshments and lunch will be provided and economy transport costs for delegates within the UK will be covered by the network.
The Diaspora Screen Media Network has recently moved its base to Birmingham City University, retaining its strong connections with the University of Northampton where the first workshop was held last year. Take a look at our new and updated website.
If you are interested in attending and/or taking part please write to David Simmons by Fri 16 July.