Creative Projects
Creative Archives Research Project
My current practice-based research project (2024-2027) explores how archives are evolving from static repositories into dynamic, participatory spaces that engage communities through creative practices and digital technologies.
Using digital story mapping, participatory filmmaking, and comparative analysis, the project aims to highlight innovative methods, foster inclusive archival practices, and bridge the gap between scholars and practitioners. Outcomes will include short/feature films, an online resource, and a monograph published by Palgrave Macmillan.
Rathmullan Film Festival
Established in 2017 and launched in 2018, the Rathmullan Film Festival is a participatory festival located in the beautiful seaside village of Rathmullan, Co. Donegal, and proudly run by volunteers.
Inspired by Cork’s Fastnet Film Festival, the idea for Rathmullan Film Festival took shape in conversation with local business owners (a.k.a my uncle and aunt), Martin and Monica and further support from the Rathmullan Way Forward (Mick & John). Together, we set out to build something a little different: a festival where the local community helps shape the entire programme.
We’ve delivered eight festival programmes filled with film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, live music, sports, and quirky events. With no cinema in town, we transform pubs, hotels, schools, churches and restaurants into buzzing venues.
Over 6,000 people have taken part, and we don’t just screen films: we help make them. Each year we run school projects, online film challenges, and support first-time filmmakers. More than 70 films have been made so far. With generous support and plenty of community spirit, we’ve become a lively hub for filmmaking in the North West.
Participatory Film Projects
We Were There (2014)
Co-director, editor - Fetaure documentary about the women's experience of the Maze and Long Kesh prison.
Back from the Booley (2025)
Co-director - Short documentary about the Booley Fair in Hilltown, Co. Down.
Border Sounds (2022)
Co-director - A Virtual Reality film featuring haikus and 360o images about the Irish Border.
From the Mournes to the Rockies (2019)
Co-director, editor - A short doccumentary about Catherine O'Hare Schubert and her overland journey to the gold fields of Canada.
Changing the Narrative (2019)
Producer, Editor, Co-director - A series of five short documentaries about women's diverse contributions to South Armagh.
The Battery (2018)
Co-director - A short doccumentary about the past, present and the future of The Battery fort in Rathmullan, co. Donegal.
Film Challenges (2020-2025)
Producer - Yearly online film challenges for the Rathmullan Film Festival to promote creative reuse of archival footage.
The Story of Our Post Office (2021)
Editor - Short documentary about the local post office in Rathmullan, Co. Donegal.
Multimedia Projects
Rural Voices (2022)
Producer, Interviewer and Editor - A digital collection of oral stories from rural people across Northern Ireland.
The Lives of a Mind (2016)
Author - An interactive e-book about the life and work of economist John Maynard Keynes.
Buried in Belfast (2019)
Producer - Print and Digital Self-Guided Women's History Tours of Belfast City Cemetery and Milltown Cemetery.
Dear Diary (2020)
Producer - An online exhibition about women’s diaries (1798 to 1981) from PRONI's archives.
Ruby (2022)
Producer - Short animated film and illustrated booklet inspired by the diaries of Roberta Hewitt.
Music Tales (2022)
Producer - A series of Q&A videos made with people with varying degrees of sight loss for PRONI's archives.
Textile Stories (2021)
Producer - Embroidered postcard series based on images from PRONI’s photographic collections of women.
HERstory Time Capsule (2019)
Producer - A time capsule of scrapbooks created by a women's group, capturing their lived experiences for future generations.
Our Food, Our Place (2021)
Producer - Cookbook that weaves together recipes, songs, and stories of those who made Northern Ireland home.
On the Margins (2022)
Producer - Digital haiku-led exhibition uncovering early mental health history through PRONI's asylum archives.
Selected Youth Projects
Vox Pop (2024)
1-Day Film Camp for 12–16 year-olds, capturing current issues for the archives and inspired by vox pop collections.
The Horror! (2021)
5-Day Making the Future Film Camp for 12-16 year-olds inspired by the Spence Brothers film collection.
Spooky Comic (2020)
Online Making the Future Camp for 7-12 year-olds that brought spooky stories from PRONI's archives to life through comic books.
Places/Faces of Suffrage (2019)
5-Day Making the Future Camp for 12-16 year-olds which used VR & AR to capture Belfast's suffrage history.