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Researchers of NTU: Patricia Francis

Meet the people behind our research, discover their areas of expertise and find out about life in NTU's research community

Patricia Francis

Patricia Francis is a PhD Researcher working across our School of Art & Design, and our School of Arts and Humanities. Her research is a creative-critical analysis of the muting of dissenting women’s voices using directorial practice.

Can you outline your key research objectives?

My research focuses on two groups of activists. The women involved in the 1984-1985 miners’ strike and those involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. Black Lives Matter is a women-led movement. The first Black Lives Matter Chapter to be set up in Europe, outside of the United States, was in Nottingham and came to prominence in 2016 when Black Lives Matter activists in Birmingham, Manchester, London and Nottingham shut down roads, the Nottingham tram system and London City airport for several hours. The women's actions were met with derision. The national media and community groups undermined them and successfully silenced their voices.

Thirty years earlier in 1984 Nottinghamshire miners took the decision to go on strike. They were in the minority of striking men in the Nottinghamshire area. The Conservative government, under Margaret Thatcher, had determined that keeping many of the coalmines running was not financially viable. Some of the miners decided to take industrial action in response.

This strike was a catalyst for social change for many of the striking miner's wives. In contrast to the traditional roles many had as housewives, they set up lunch clubs, travelled around the country fund-raising for the strike and stood beside, and in some cases replaced, the men on the picket lines. However, despite their actions the Nottinghamshire women have seldom been acknowledged or recognised for the key roles they played in this working class battle against the state.

Whilst several decades and cultural differences might separate my two research groups, they have shared experiences; patriarchal and colonial lines of power controlled and muted their dissenting voices.

Using film I am analysing how I articulate the social muting that occurred. Using directorial practice I am endeavouring to prevent the objectification of the women in my effort to give them agency and their voices primacy.

What inspired you to get into your area of research?

As a Black, British woman I have first hand experience of the injurious impact a patriarchal and capitalist system, that is systematically racist and sexist, can have. There are many examples of women and Black people whose achievements have not been acknowledged or have been re-written. Having been in many social and political settings where my position has been undermined and attempts made to silence my own voice, it was important for me to use the medium of film - an industry itself notorious for under-representation and discriminatory practice - to analyse female voices in documentary film directorial practice and using the two groups of women, to challenge elements of customary film practice to examine ways of giving volume to their silenced voices and their unheard truths.

How does being based at NTU allow you to fulfil your research aspirations?

My research groups are based in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, so I was therefore fortunate that NTU is also based in Nottingham providing a base from which I am able to carry out my doctoral studies, as well as meet and socialise with other doctoral students. The practice-based element of my research is key to my research findings and NTU offered practice-based research opportunities, supported by skilled supervisors.

How do you think your research has had an impact?

I am now halfway through my research and I have already had the opportunity to deliver papers relating to my work at national and international conferences, and to contribute to a book chapter, whilst I continue with my broadcast production work.

I have carried out many hours of oral history interviews with my research participants who have not previously had the opportunity to tell their own stories or to correct social and political notions of who they are and what they did. I am working towards my research being able to offer a revisionist text that will enable the women to speak their own truths and to also contribute to both the oral history tradition as well as to the wealth of discussions regarding directorial practice.

Which partners, both at NTU and externally, have you worked with?

I have been fortunate to work with a range of research staff and doctoral candidates, all of whom have inspired, motivated or informed my research journey. I have also worked with the British Film Institute (BFI), the British Library, Edinburgh International Television Festival and the Radical Film Network.

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

Pursuing a doctoral programme on a part-time basis has had its challenges. For anyone considering a part-time programme they should appreciate that they will be committing themselves to a six-year period of research. Whilst PhD research is very rewarding the process can be disrupting. However, being on a doctoral programme was something I have wanted to do for some time. I accept that the unrelenting nature of doctoral research is part of the journey and that it will not last forever.

What has been the highlight of your research journey so far?

I am enjoying everything about my research. I loved being back at university, acquiring new knowledge and meeting like-minded people. My supervisors bring so much richness to my research and have been key to helping me form my ideas and my thinking. Having access to an infrastructure such as the NTU library is invaluable to my research as is being able to access workshops and exchanging ideas with others.

What tips would you give to someone embarking on their research journey at NTU?

  1. Be prepared for moments of ‘research blindness’ – periods where you are not sure what you need to do or where to look for your particular area of research. You may also experience times when you doubt the credibility of your research and your ability to complete the programme. Have faith and believe you can do it. You would not have been selected if you and your research were not considered to have worth and to bring value.
  2. Network – join groups – make friends. PhD research can be a lonely process as you endeavour to contribute new knowledge to the world. Make sure you have a network of people you can rely on, you can speak with, exchange your ideas with and who will understand and help you through the low points you will inevitably go through. They will also be there to help you celebrate your moments of joy!
  3. If you have not studied for a while, don’t be concerned if it takes you a few months to get back into the swing – you’ll get there. You have three years.
  4. Learn to work with your supervisors and be confident in your own research and in working in a way that is good for you.
  5. Respect your research timetable and do your best to stick to it.
  6. Enjoy the research journey!

What are your ambitions for the future?

My immediate ambition is to complete my PhD. I was recently offered the opportunity to deliver seminars to first and second year NTU students, which I have enjoyed. I would like to do this on a permanent part-time basis as I continue making my films and developing other related ideas.

Interested in a PhD? Explore our current studentship opportunities

Published on 24 November 2020
  • Category: Research; School of Art & Design; School of Arts and Humanities