Visual storytelling as democratizing knowledge: relational concepts of transdisciplinary health impact through film.

Abstract

This paper examines the transdisciplinary collaboration between health practitioners, Indigenous community members, and doctoral researchers to democratize knowledge transfer enhancing social justice outcomes in the context of hepatitis C awareness with Indigenous communities in Alberta, Canada. Utilizing the impactful intersection between media and healthcare disciplines, two social science researchers built on each other's qualitative research projects using relational engagement and participatory action research to co-create a DocuStory film and accompanying impact campaign. Diverse expertise and varied life experiences contribute unique perspectives transferring insights informing knowledge translation. Communication scholars, media producers, and academics are exploring the social function of documentaries and how they can be used to generate change. This innovative collaboration draws on the strength and creativity of transdisciplinary relationships providing opportunity for social justice praxis at the intersections of culture, theory, health, and media. This successful approach is relevant for numerous health topics and inspires transdisciplinary collaboration and media innovation in health promotion.