A cellphilm is a short video that is entirely shot using a cell phone or a tablet. It is typically about 1-4 minutes and unedited. It is a participatory visual technique that conveys a particular perspective or message and can be thought of under the larger umbrella of arts-based research. The term combines the words “cellphone” and “film” and was coined by Jonathan Dockney and Keyan Tomaselli.
Cellphilm creators typically have something specific they want to see in the video which can be explored prior to creating the video or even impromptu. And because cell phones are tablets are fairly accessible to many people, it makes this form of visual storytelling accessible and inclusive. And for people who don’t own a cell phone or tablet, support through community-based organizations, peer groups, friends, or family could be a likely possibility.
Essentially, the idea is to use accessible technology to capture a person’s thoughts, feelings, ideas, opinions, and point of view. It’s a great form of qualitative data in the realm of community-based research because it’s storytelling with lots of room for creativity.
You don’t need fancy equipment, high-tech video editing skills, or a polished & scripted presentation. You just need willingness to share on video, your own understanding of the topic at hand, and a non-judgemental attitude toward yourself. For people organizing an activity or initiative that involves cellphilm, it could be helpful to explain the process and purpose to the person or people who will be sharing on video. Setting up a cellphilm participation environment that feels safe and respectful with shared understanding and consent would be key to a fun and engaging experience.
Community-based research applications
A) Personal exploration, personal research through these steps:
- Select a topic of exploration like stigma, harm reduction, or health.
- Give thought to what you might want to say in the video
- Record yourself on a phone or tablet
- Watch what you recorded
- Reflect and interpret
- Build on your ideas about the topic in more videos
B) General expression of people’s lived & living experience to inform:
- Needs assessment
- Case studies
- Feedback within evaluation
- Health messaging for other peers
C) Group settings:
- Collective storytelling: each participant creates a cellphilm and videos are screened in a private group, followed by facilitated dialogue.
- Thematic dialogue: start with a shared topic and each participant creates and shares a cellphilm, then as individuals or pairs build on the ideas presented by creating response videos.
- Consensus building or priority setting: after viewing all participant videos, the group discusses and identifies the most prominent themes or ideas that could lead to further exploration.
- Pop-up screening: invite community members for a semi-public sharing of participant videos on a larger screen in-person or even in an online screening followed by Q&A, audience observations, and/or expanded comments by the video creators.
Remember, community-based research can be designed to be accessible, approachable, and engaging. It can be designed and implemented in local community by local community members. Techniques like cellphilm are great choices for community driven research. So much room for creativity in expression, setting, and application.
Links to learn more about what cellphilm is and how to do it
Equitas – Cellphilm, a Participatory Visual Technique for Human Rights Education
McGill University – Cellphilm Toolkit
Written by Monte Strong