Films are important for historians of the 20th century. Since online-platforms provide access to an increasing number of films, rural historians rely on them in similar ways as they have done so far on photographs and written or oral sources. But the question remains whether films are “only” a source for historians or also an appropriate means of communication for historical insights and narratives. This question is particularly relevant in an era of media consumption when texts are increasingly questioned as the main form of communication in the academic world and certainly losing their primacy in non-academic circles.
The Archives of Rural History, therefore, organises the panel “Beyond collecting: Exploring films as a means of communication for (rural) historians” at the Rural History Conference in Uppsala. The aim of the panel is to analyse the potential of films as a means of communication in history. Proposals addressing the question whether video essays are an alternative or at least a complementary form of publication for historians are particularly welcome. Contributions in this panel may take on the form of video essays, documentaries, workshop reports or theoretical reflections.
Proposals for a contribution should be sent to peter.moser[at]agrararchiv.ch or andreas.wigger[at]agrararchiv.ch