Can interactive digital films bridge the cultural divide left by a global pandemic?

Cultures · Published 24 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, our social landscapes and psychological states underwent profound shifts. New research explores how interactive documentary filmmaking can capture these transformations, specifically examining the cross-cultural communication between UK-based Chinese nationals and their families in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

In a PhD by Film Practice at the University of Exeter, researcher Zhan Xiao is investigating how visual media documents the upheaval of the post-pandemic era. The project focuses on the 'life narratives' of individuals, looking for ways to use interactive technology to record changes in human habits, interpersonal relationships, and the re-establishment of personal boundaries. The study specifically targets the profound shifts in attitudes and evolving interpersonal dynamics catalyzed by the global crisis. It aims to document the inner activities and anxieties that emerged during this period of transition.

The methodology moves beyond traditional cinema by integrating new shooting models and digital documentary formats. By launching films through interactive websites, the research tracks audience engagement through quantitative data, such as page views, real-time comments, and narrative participation. This approach seeks to understand the 'multifunctionality' of digital media in capturing the subjective, daily experiences of those navigating the aftermath of the pandemic. To achieve this, the researcher employs semi-structured interviews to gather multi-dimensional perspectives. This process incorporates direct interviews with subjects to better comprehend their unique reflections on the era.

The project also serves as a study of how documentary functions as an emotionally resonant medium for processing significant life events. By reviewing existing COVID-1/9 films alongside academic literature on life narratives, Xiao aims to pioneer techniques that combine film theory with digital innovation. The goal is to enhance the visual experience, using technology to expand the narrative capability of storytelling in a society marked by complex, contemporary change. Xiao, an MA graduate from Royal Holloway, University of London, brings a background in digital documentary to this work. His previous films have earned recognition at festivals such as the Hong Kong World Festival 2021.

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