As a Filmmaker in Residence for the innovative Seascapes Project, I’ve had the unique opportunity to combine my passion for documentary filmmaking with the rich maritime heritage and natural beauty of England’s North East coastline.

This residency has allowed me to document stories, landscapes, and the deep connections communities share with the sea—a journey that resonates profoundly with my broader practice as a documentary filmmaker in the North East.

The Seascapes Project—led by Co/Lab Sunderland in partnership with numerous organisations—aims to celebrate and protect the unique coastal environment stretching between the Tyne and Tees rivers. Through this large-scale marine heritage initiative, artists, scientists, historians, and local communities are working together to uncover hidden stories and raise awareness about our precious seascape.

For me, being a Filmmaker in Residence means engaging deeply with both people and place. I’ve spent countless hours walking coastal paths, exploring harbours, and talking to fishermen, conservationists, and residents whose lives are intertwined with the sea. From the industrial legacy of shipbuilding to the fragile ecosystems of rockpools and dunes, every encounter shapes how I approach the visual storytelling at the heart of this project.

My filmmaking for Seascapes focuses on capturing authentic voices and evocative imagery. I’ve documented oral histories, filmed stunning coastal vistas at sunrise and sunset, and recorded the rhythmic sounds of waves and seabirds that breathe life into the North East’s seascape. These moments will form part of a collection of short films designed to engage audiences and spark conversations about the importance of marine conservation and cultural heritage.

Working with Co/Lab Sunderland and the Seascapes team has been incredibly collaborative. It’s not just about creating films in isolation—it’s about weaving my work into a broader tapestry of creative projects, exhibitions, and educational programmes. I’m inspired by how this project blends art, science, and community participation, echoing the interdisciplinary approach that underpins my practice as a documentary filmmaker in the North East.

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The Seascapes Project’s vision is to inspire people to explore and protect our marine environment. Through my residency, I hope my films help people see the coastline not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing landscape filled with stories worth preserving. Whether it’s a diver describing the kelp forests beneath the waves, a beachcomber sharing childhood memories, or scientists monitoring seabird populations, these narratives reveal how deeply connected we are to the sea—and how vital it is to safeguard it for future generations.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this residency has been witnessing how storytelling fosters a sense of stewardship. When people see their coastlines represented on screen, they often express newfound pride or curiosity. This, to me, is the true power of documentary work: making the invisible visible and reminding us of our collective responsibility.

The Seascapes Project continues to evolve, with community workshops, exhibitions, and public screenings planned for the coming months. I look forward to sharing more of these films as they’re completed and contributing to the vibrant creative dialogue around our coastal heritage.

These upcoming events will provide opportunities for audiences to engage directly with the stories and images I’ve captured, sparking conversations about how our relationship with the coastline shapes identity, culture, and the future of our environment. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people connect with the footage, sometimes recognising familiar places or faces, and offering their own memories and insights in return.

Beyond simply presenting films, I’m eager to participate in discussions, Q&A sessions, and workshops where I can share my process and hear from others who care deeply about our coast. My hope is that these encounters foster a stronger sense of community and inspire more people to appreciate and protect the unique seascape that defines so much of life in the North East.

To learn more about the Seascapes Project, visit Co/Lab Sunderland’s Seascapes page. And for more examples of my documentary work exploring the natural world and environmental themes, visit my nature and environmental films here.