Head Space @ Doc/Fest Exchange

Dr Erinma Ochu curated Head Space, a programme of film screenings, talks, activities and alternative reality projects at Doc/Fest Exchange informed by mental health research.  Now in its third year, Doc/Fest Exchange is the public programme at Sheffield International Documentary Festival and supported by Wellcome. This year's programme featured Salford's Lyndon Saunders hosting a session with podcast guru, Brian Reed (S-Town) and Professor Andy Miah on a panel hosted by Dr Marieke Navin on Mental Health and Virtual Reality. Read Andy's contribution here.

Whilst a major highlight for Erinma was immersive storytelling pioneer, Lance Weiler, hosting a meet the maker session in The Exchange. Programme highlights included a screening of On The Ground at Grenfell, new artist commission, DOUBLETHINK from Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard which was informed by cognitive neuroscience plus SBTV founder, Jamal Edwards, Social chain's COO, Dominic McGregor, Bianca Manu, Mim Shaikh, Karen Gabay, Alistair Campbell and Naana Orleans, all focusing on mental health. 

Erinma opened the space with short film programme, An Awe Filled vision of the World, showcasing new short films from neurodiverse filmmakers, hosted by producer Alex Usbourne of 104 films. 

Head Space Alternate reality projects were co-curated with DocFest's, AR Guru, Dan Tucker and included Belongings, Manic VR and Face to Face. The full line up of AR projects is here. 

Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard and George McKay talk to Eloise King about artist commission, DOUBLETHINK in Doc/Fest Exchange.