Narratives in Film for Indigenous Communities Project

Description

This study was initiated in response to previous work in Indigenous communities as well as the ABIOS experience with using DVD film as a medium through which individuals can relate their experience of acquired brain injury. DVD narratives may be powerful as training resources in the service context but may also offer participants in the DVDs an empowering tool for self-expression. This study aimed to explore and describe the impact of sharing personal stories on film by Australian Indigenous families who have experienced acquired brain injury (ABI).

Rationale

Culturally appropriate community education about brain injury prevention and supporting people with brain injury and their families is needed in Australian Indigenous communities. Narrative therapy offers a useful method in rehabilitation that may be particularly appropriate for Indigenous people. Storytelling or yarning is a culturally relevant activity in many Indigenous communities in Australia. Little is known about the potential benefits and challenges for participants in the making of film based resources following acquired brain injury, particularly within Indigenous communities

Participants

Three Australian Indigenous men and their families.

Key Features

Production of a DVD resource for promoting brain injury awareness and understanding in Indigenous communities

Exploration of therapeutic filmmaking

Extending ABIOS role in supporting brain injury rehabilitation in Indigenous communities

Funding

This study was internally funded by ABIOS

Research/Evaluation Strategies

Participatory Action Research approaches were used in the production of films describing personal stories of brain injury for three Australian Indigenous men and their families. Participants were involved in the conceptualization, development, filming and launch of the films in their own communities (one urban, one rural and one remote). The production of the films was followed by individual semi-structured interviews with film participants. Thematic analysis of interview data was undertaken.

Outputs and Outcomes

While produced as an educational digital video disc (DVD) resource for improving brain injury prevention awareness and support in Australian Indigenous communities, participants identified five themes related to the benefits and challenges of the narrative filmmaking process, namely the motivation to tell their story, the experience of making the film, the social impact and benefits, the importance of the launch and the untold stories that remain. Conclusion: Storytelling by Australian Indigenous families through film was perceived by individuals with ABI and their families to have important personal benefits in addition to providing a culturally relevant community education resource. A recognition of the film as merely a snapshot in time is necessary however and ongoing opportunities for storytelling should be sought. Community launches of such resources are important for supporting families affected by brain injury and increasing awareness in their communities.

Publications

Gauld, S., Smith, S., & Kendall, M. (2018). Exploring the impact of sharing personal narratives of brain injury through film in Australian Indigenous communities. Edorium Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation 4:100037D05SG2018

Last updated: 23 April 2021