As huge fans of science and the arts, Collaborative Filmmaking brings together our two passions  in a creative and engaging way.

Since 2016, we have been working together at the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, to investigate creative ways to incorporate filmmaking into public health research. Sara has a background in film production and documentary filmmaking, as well as global health research, and has worked around the globe for the past 12 years in these two exciting fields. Jessie is an expert in community-engaged research and, as a Professor of Public Health, has decades of experience developing and applying innovative and creative public health methodologies. Together, our passions and expertise in film and public health have led us to develop Collaborative Filmmaking.

We are thrilled that you’re interested in learning more about Collaborative Filmmaking and we hope you consider applying the method as a component of your next study or project. We developed this visual and creative method because we are passionate about the power of the arts and the role they play in understanding human experiences and building community, and we hope you will discover the same.

If you need anything, we are only an email or phone call (or tweet!) away. We love hearing about how other scholars, practitioners and activists have incorporated  Collaborative Filmmaking into their programs and studies, so please write to us, tag us, and share your films. We can’t wait to see what you all create.

Happy Filming !
Sara and Jessie