Allies in action: Co-creating cinematic narratives to explore intersectional empathy.

Abstract

In times of international humanitarian crises in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere, empathy building is a vital concern. Thus, in the spring of 2024, our practice research project Allies in Action empowered students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate in a manner promoting cultural sensitivity and empathy building. It applies a novel conceptual framework that deploys interconnected multiple concepts, founded on the African philosophy, Ubuntu, along with the application of positionality, intersectionality, and reflection & critical reflection to develop empathy and allyship. Methodologically, our project was influenced by and drew on the principles of Participatory Action Research (Stringer, 1999) and took multi-methods approach that entailed combining practice research with sociological inquiry. Student teams were tasked with making and appearing in short films centring on the theme of empathy. Our findings demonstrate the value of creative practice-based approaches to foster empathy building among university students. Along with theoretical and methodological contributions, this paper aims to contribute to ongoing discourse on empathy-building through a critical practice approach whilst providing a platform to consider how educators can help students develop empathic skills for interacting with one another in inclusive and supportive ways.