Dr. Michael Bentham from the University of South Australia Conducts an Inspiring Session on The Art of Storytelling in a Digital Age
In an era dominated by digital content and rapidly evolving platforms, the essence of storytelling remains a timeless art form. Dr. Michael Bentham, a renowned lecturer from the University of South Australia, recently graced the ATLAS SkillTech University campus in Mumbai with his wisdom on the subject. The session was a journey into the heart of narrative creation, digital evolution and the power of storytelling, leaving students both inspired and enlightened.
Exploring the Micro-Budget Gem – “Disclosure”
Dr. Michael Bentham began his session by sharing his own foray into the world of filmmaking, “Disclosure.” A thought-provoking film that he both wrote and directed, it made its debut at the prestigious Palm Springs Film Festival in January 2020. The movie explores the complex dynamics surrounding allegations of child-on-child sexual assault, highlighting the sensitive nature of this subject. Despite being a “micro-budget ensemble drama,” Dr. Michael demonstrated how impactful storytelling transcends budget constraints. He even treated the audience to a promotional glimpse of his work, leaving everyone eager to see more.
The Journey from Celluloid to Digital
The session then delved into the evolution of cinema, tracing its transformation from traditional celluloid to the digital era. Dr. Michael Bentham emphasised how this shift has revolutionised storytelling, enabling storytellers to reach wider audiences through various digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, WhatsApp and more. In this digital age, he noted, the power of storytelling is not confined to the silver screen but extends to our handheld devices.
Generative Content and the Democratisation of Content
An intriguing aspect of the discussion was the emergence of generative content systems that can create digital assets, including text, without human intervention. This phenomenon highlights how technology is blurring the lines between human creativity and artificial intelligence. Moreover, digital platforms are playing a pivotal role in democratising content, giving individuals from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to share their stories and perspectives with the world.
Defining Documentary and the Role of Filmic Authorship
The session also explored the intricate world of documentary filmmaking. Dr. Michael Bentham defined documentary as a medium that engages with the world as if the audience were immersed in it. He delved into the taxonomy of cinema, distinguishing between narrative, documentary, and fiction. Moreover, he introduced the concept of the “filmic author” – the agent who intentionally crafts a filmic expression to convey meaning to an audience.
Inspiration from Anthropologists and Filmmakers
Dr. Michael Bentham drew inspiration from anthropologists and pioneers of cinema vérité, such as Jean Rouch and Lynne Ramsay. He highlighted how anthropology and filmmaking can intersect, fostering a unique perspective on storytelling. This fusion of disciplines offers filmmakers the ability to become anthropologists and vice versa, leading to a richer, more immersive storytelling experience.
The Camera as an Extension of Self
Intriguingly, the session also explored the camera as an anthropomorphic extension of the self. It’s a tool that allows storytellers to bridge the gap between themselves and the subjects they capture, enabling a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Encouraging Creativity Through a Writing Exercise
As the session drew to a close, Dr. Michael Bentham encouraged students to engage in a writing exercise. They were tasked with reflecting on an object that held personal significance and crafting a narrative around it. This exercise encouraged students to find their own unique voices as narrative storytellers, a valuable skill in the digital age.
About Dr. Michael Bentham
Dr. Michael Bentham is an acclaimed filmmaker, researcher and educator, known for his award-winning feature drama “DISCLOSURE” (2020), which delves into the aftermath of a child-on-child abuse allegation. The film premiered at Palm Springs International Film Festival, earning nominations for an Australian Academy Award and an Australian Directors’ Guild Award. It also secured the ATOM Award for Best Fiction Feature Film and is currently streaming on Stan. Holding a Doctorate from the University of Melbourne, Michael’s research bridges screenwriting and historical context, while his social justice impact garnered him the Margaret Lawrence Social Justice Award. His current research focuses on using moving image narratives as methodology, touching on subjects like social justice, biography, ethnography, masculinity and trauma. With over 12 years of experience in teaching filmmaking, including as the Head of Directing at the UK’s Northern Film School, he is a Higher Education Academy Fellow.
Dr. Michael Bentham’s session at ATLAS SkillTech University was a captivating exploration of the art of storytelling in a digital age. It shed light on the transformative power of storytelling, the democratisation of content and the ever-evolving nature of cinema. As students left the session, they were not only enriched with knowledge but also inspired to embark on their own creative journeys, armed with the timeless art of storytelling in a digital world.
