Multidisciplinary Film Practice Research: Integrating Visual Sociology in Academia and Independent Cinema

This presentation explores the potential of film practice research as both a research tool and final output, with a focus on its applications in visual sociology. Film practice research offers a unique way to capture and express complex social realities, combining academic rigor with creative freedom. By integrating film into research methodologies, particularly in visual sociology, scholars can document and present social phenomena with greater depth, capturing emotional and contextual elements that traditional text-based research often overlooks.

The presentation will begin by outlining the evolution of film practice research and its growing relevance within multidisciplinary fields such as sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. Visual sociology, in particular, benefits from film’s ability to present lived experiences, social dynamics, and cultural environments in real-time. The discussion will highlight how film practice research enhances data collection and the presentation of findings through visual case studies or essays.

A key focus of the presentation is the case study of the "Third Path in Cinema" in Greece, an innovative approach that combines academic research with independent filmmaking. This model provides an alternative route for filmmakers and researchers who face challenges in traditional cinema and academia, encouraging collaboration between disciplines. The "Third Path" supports the role of the "Academic Filmmaker," blending visual sociology with creative film production to offer new ways of exploring and representing social issues.

In conclusion, the presentation advocates for expanding film practice research within academic contexts, particularly for visual sociologists. It emphasizes the potential for film to act not only as a research tool but also as a means of broadening the reach and impact of academic work, engaging both scholarly and public audiences.