Dr Jenny Holt, SFHEA Deputy Head of SODA

Dr Jenny Holt, SFHEA

I am Deputy Head and Reader at the School of Digital Arts, and a researcher in film practice and pedagogy.  My practice-led research primarily focuses on dialogues between concepts, processes and poetics of artist-documentary film and landscape, environment and work.  Recent films include explorations of landscape and labour of young people working in shepherding, forestry and farming in the English Midlands; tensions between working life and tourism in the Lake District; the urban-rural interface of a Halifax housing estate, and the play of forces at the highest point of the M62 motorway. 

Current research explores multispecies industries of landscape-scale forest regeneration located within the bounds of a ground-breaking rewilding initiative in the Highlands of Scotland, investigating how film can be used to resituate human endeavour within the relational flow of life in in the context of rewilding’s ‘future nature’ approach to ecosystem restoration.

I have a keen interest in film practice pedagogies in the art and design context including the development of critical praxis, collaboration and student-led research strategies. This synergy between practice, research and education as an interdependent critical culture helps to inform SODA’s emphasis on innovative storytelling, original voice and cultural relevance across an expanded audio-visual film and screen landscape.

As a TV production freelancer for UK production companies I produced, directed and shot documentaries and factual programming for national broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. My recent work has screened at film festivals and in gallery contexts in national and international locations.

I am an experienced PhD supervisor and examiner, with particular interest in film practice as research and happy to discuss potential PhD research proposals.

Email: j.c.holt@mmu.ac.uk

https://jennyholtfilm.com