i-Docs 2016 Call for Participation
March 2-4
Bristol, UK

Deadline: October 22nd, 2015

Following the success of the i-Docs Symposia in 2011, 2012, and 2014 we are now seeking proposals for papers, case studies and projects for i-Docs 2016.

To reflect the rapid expansion and evolution of the field, and growing interest within academia and creative practice, we are expanding the Symposium to take place across three days. Convened by Judith Aston, Sandra Gaudenzi and Mandy Rose, and hosted by UWE Bristol’s Digital Cultures Research Centre, i-Docs 2016 will be held at the Watershed in Bristol’s Harbourside on Wednesday 2nd – Friday 4th March.

We will be joined by keynote speakers including 2015 Tribeca Storyscapes award-winners May Abdalla and Amy Rose aka Anagram, Patricia Zimmermann – co-author of Thinking Through Digital Media, Chris Sizemore – Executive Editor BBC, and Vassiliki Khonsari – Executive Producer iNK Stories – 1979 Revolution.

This year’s symposium will focus on three themes that reflect key developments in the field:

• Machines for Thinking
• The Uses of Immersion
• Evolving Practices

We welcome proposals for panels, papers, case studies and alternative forms of debate that cover (but are not limited to) these areas. Interventions around design, impact, evaluation, business models and cross-cultural perspectives are welcome across all three themes.

We are also eager to hear from practitioners who want to show and discuss new work, and work-in-progress.

MACHINES FOR THINKING
Interactive Documentary for research and pedagogy

• Thinking through complexity – i-docs as knowledge platforms
• Reframe, remix, remediate – interactive approaches to non-fiction archives
• Teaching interactive documentary making: i-docs in the classroom and beyond
• Which interactive platform? Stories of Klynt,Korsakow, Racontr & others
• Tools, platforms, software – lenses that shape i-doc worlds

THE USES OF IMMERSION
Games, VR, Sensory Storytelling, Personalisation

• “The empathy machine”: hype, hope and non-fiction VR
• Bringing things to life – performativity, presence and the i-doc
• UX XXL – Experiential – Experimental – Expressive!
• What do we talk about when we talk about immersion? historicisation, critical perspectives
• Alt. Reality / Possible Future – interactive experiential storytelling as enactment.

EVOLVING PRACTICES
Production processes, generative systems, hybridisation and their consequences

• The ethics of co-creation – inviting, negotiating & rewarding participation
• “Open Space” documentary – open processes, open societies, open minds: the potential of hyperlocal collaborative storytelling
• “We Feel Fine“: ten years later – directions in algorithmic storytelling
• Unruly Practices – non-fiction storytelling’s radical potentials
• Interactive documentary and legacy journalism: at the intersection
• Looking back to move forwards – what can we learn from the pioneers?

SUBMISSION

Proposals in pdf form should be sent to: idocs2016@gmail.com by Thursday October 22nd 2015. Please include a brief bio (150 words) and academic affiliation or company name, with a link if available. The proposal should clearly outline your intentions in no more than 400 words. Practitioners do not need to offer an academic style paper. Proposals for alternative formats and themes are very welcome.

Download a copy of the Call for Participation here.

TICKETS

We are pleased to be able to offer a generous discount on a limited number of early bird tickets, as well as a pricing structure that takes into account the varied background of our participants. Take advantage and book your place now!