Collaborative cultures: Ubuntu as a pedagogical foundation for educating independent film-makers

Abstract

This case study centres on the Ubuntu Collaboration Model introduced to Bournemouth University in the UK in 2018. Initially focused on undergraduate teaching, the model is now embedded as part of the university’s practice-based and industry-focused Media Production master’s programmes (2019–ongoing). The goal of this initiative is to develop and install a practical approach to film teaching that deliberately fosters a consciousness of cross-cultural collaboration among emerging independent film-makers coming from diverse backgrounds. The model is founded on the principles of the African philosophical concept of Ubuntu, which suggests, among other things, that we can only progress productively through a shared value system that finds expression in respectful social interaction (that is, collaboration). Co-authored with master’s students, this case study contextualises and analyses the experiences of the master’s film production cohort who were part of this pedagogical journey in 2022/3.