Films of Fact

Should science documentaries aim to entertain or educate viewers? Where does the role of the scientist end and that of the film-maker begin? Where have factual films come from, and where are they heading?

Inspired by the Science Museum’s current exhibition Films of Fact, we host an evening of debate and dialogue about science on film. Discussions will be facilitated by Tim Boon, Science Museum Chief Curator and author of the exhibition’s accompanying book.

David Dugan, head of award-winning Windfall Films, will discuss some of the big issues facing today’s documentary-makers. Acclaimed wildlife director James Honeyborne will look at the great tradition of nature films in the UK and discuss the new technologies and ideas that are driving it forward. And Martin Freeth, ex-Horizon producer, will take a look at the history of science programmes and explore the potential for online film-making in the future.

Come and have your say on what you think makes good TV from the world of science.

Speakers

David Dugan, Chairman, Windfall Films
Martin Freeth, Director, MFreeth.com
James Honeyborne, Series Producer and Movie Director, BBC Natural History Unit
Uli Hesse, TV journalist and independent documentary filmmaker

Facilitator: Tim Boon, Chief Curator, Science Museum

This event is in conjunction with Films of Fact, a Science Museum exhibition.

Event organised by:
The Science Museum

Image: From Paul Rotha’s New Worlds for Old (1938), Courtesy National Grid / BFI