Seed-fund project on the impact of interactive eco-documentaries

De eeuw van mijn opa allows viewers to influence the storyline, determining the sustainability of choices made by a grandfather and the government. Depending on these choices, the film concludes with a utopian, ambiguous, or dystopian vision of the future. By controlling certain elements of the narrative, viewers gain a deeper connection to the environmental issues presented.

The project consists of two parts. In the first phase, participants will interact with the documentary and then take part in in-depth interviews to explore their feelings, thoughts, and decisions. This will provide insights into how interactive digital narratives (IDNs) can drive environmental awareness and behavioral change.

Interactive symposium

The second phase involves an interactive symposium at Utrecht University, where participants and researchers will discuss the findings. The symposium will feature a Q&A with the filmmaker, Sam van Zoest, and interactive talks from researchers. This event aims to foster intergenerational understanding and critical reflection on the use of IDNs for environmental causes.

This initiative, supported by an interdisciplinary team of academics, seeks to enhance our understanding of how interactive eco-documentaries can effectively communicate the complexities of climate change and inspire sustainable thinking. By involving both academic and non-academic stakeholders, the project aims to create innovative approaches to promoting sustainable futures.

This article is originally published at the UU website. Photo taken by Ed van Rijswijk.