Staff Research Profiles

RESEARCH

My interest both in making and writing about documentaries is to explore form, to see how fresh approaches to narrative can unlock an authentic voice. I am currently also conducting a series of interviews with some of the most prominent and original directors working internationally to examine the process of editing, the relationship between initial concept and finished form, focusing on poetic narrative.

PUBLICATIONS

"About Absence" DOX Sept 2010

"An Irreducible Otherness" DOX May 2009

"The breath of filmmaking" Interview with Cannes winner Sergei Dvortsevoy" (Nov. 2008 DOX) See www.edn.dk .

Reviews of Terence Davies and Gideon Koppel's recent work (DOX August 2008).

"Lust for Life" Documentary in Poland DOX June 2008.

"Da, Da Documentary: Interview with Andrew Kotting" DOX March 2008.

Internet feature article in Filmtett Sept 2008 about Cinefest in Hungary http://www.filmtett.ro/cikk/460 .

"Of Flesh and Blood" Depictions of suffering at Visions du Reel Festival DOX July 2006.

"When Words Fail" The boundaries between documentary and art at CPHDOX Festival Copenhagen. DOX March 2005.

"Jeppe Ronde" Interview DOX November 2004.

"Filming the Invisible" Interview with Peter Mettler DOX June 2003.

FILMS

I have directed over 12 documentaries for international and national broadcasters and festivals and am currently editing "Sightseer", a Norwegian co-production also funded by MEDIA, which traces the shifting perception of land in Europe. Other work particularly for BBC and Ch 4 is often about the artistic process and includes prize-winning films such as the Grierson nominated "What Age Can You Start Being An Artist?" for Ch 4 ("utterly inspiring" The Guardian) and many single docs still with an exploration of form at their core, as well as mainstream programmes e.g. "The Culture Show". Feature docs include: "Gigha ; Buying our Island" (BBC), and "Flight" (Canadian co-production). Experimental work includes "71° N" nominated for Best Short Film at EIFF ; Special Jury Mention.

I've also collaborated with some of the most respected directors of documentary and fiction and am currently working with fiction director Morag MacKinnon on a new documentary feature- Breathing.

Scottish Documentary Institute

Design