Biography
International award-winning filmmaker Ellie Land uses animation and moving images to explore Issues such as femininity, gender politics, education and identity. She gained an MA in Animation from The Royal College of Art in 2007. Her films have attracted a number of awards, commendations and special mentions from a variety of prestigious International film festivals.
Ellie’s films are represented by the British Council and have featured at the Cannes Film Festival Market Place. They have also been shown at the V & A and ICA.
Ellie has been lecturing in Animation for five years, having taught at London College of Communication and the National Institute of Design in India. Currently I teach Animation into the Visual Communication Area at Northumbria School of Design.
She recently completed a post graduate certificate in learning in teaching, with University of the Arts London.
Research Interests
A summary of the main elements or themes within my research
My research and practice are embedded in the exploration of animation and documentary. In particular I am interested in documenting difficult and complex subjects and representing them in a way that is accessible for all audiences. My work is often has elements created through participatory practices. The subjects I choose to work in are identity, feminism and audience interaction.
My films are characterised by a blend of digital methods, traditional animation, drawing and film making techniques. Narrative strategies are often employed to create emotive journeys that encourage questioning and critical involvement from the audience.
My most recent film Centrefold, commissioned by the Wellcome Trust is an animated documentary about labiasurgery. The film was made in collaboration with Gynaecologist Sarah Creighton and Psychologist Lih Mei Liao. It was released online in July 2012 and received over 50,000 viewings in 24 hours contributing to an international debate on the ethics of labia surgery. The film is currently screening at International film festivals. You can watch the film here: www.thecentrefoldproject.org Other recent work includes a commission from War child UK, a part participatory stopmotion animated project with youth in Uganda.
I am currently developing an ambitious interactive, animated documentary project on the subject of intersex.
Key Publications
A list of recent or key publications that best represent my current research interests
Teaching Interests and Modules
An overview of the courses and modules that I currently teach on
Making Sense - Qualities of Living