The impact of interactive eco-documentaries
This project delves into the persuasive powers of Sam van Zoest’s award-winning interactive eco-documentary, De eeuw van mijn opa (The Age of My Grandfather), through individual interviews with young adults (18-25 years) and older adults (60+ years). The team aims to uncover how interactive narratives can engage audiences and promote pro-environmental behaviors.
De eeuw van mijn opa portrays a (fictional) interview between a grandson and his grandfather in the year 2100. Together, they look back at the preceding years in order to understand ‘what went wrong’. In this interactive documentary, viewers can 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.
Contact: Dr. Karin Fikkers.