Your Money or Your After-life
As someone who specialises in documentary videography, I’m always looking for opportunities to tell meaningful stories—especially those that connect people, history, and place.
In November 2015, I had the chance to film a fascinating public workshop in Prior’s Hall at Durham Cathedral. It brought together researchers, theologians, archaeologists and members of the public to explore the spiritual and material meanings of money across time and cultures.
The event was part of the Being Human Festival of Humanities, and centred around the Religion and Money: Economy of Salvation project, led by Professor Svein H. Gullbekk from the University of Oslo. Funded by the Norwegian Research Council, the project looked at how money functioned in medieval religious life—and how that might connect with contemporary traditions in places like Tonga.
As a practitioner of documentary videography, I often find myself drawn to these kinds of interdisciplinary, collaborative events. They create rich environments to capture not just information, but genuine human interaction. This wasn’t a dry academic conference—it was hands-on, inquisitive, and open to the public. The workshop invited people to handle medieval coins, consider their religious significance, and ask new questions about how money, devotion and society intertwine.
“What does it mean to give an offering?”
“Were coins dropped or deliberately left?”
“Do they tell us where people sat in the church—or who they were praying to?”
These questions echoed around the tables as coins from medieval Norwegian churches were passed from hand to hand. Some churches had yielded thousands of coins from the Middle Ages—each one a tiny artefact full of potential meaning.
“You’re almost holding the past in your hand,” said one participant.
That line stayed with me. It’s a perfect description of what documentary videography can also do—hold a moment, a conversation, a shared curiosity, and make it visible to others.
As a videographer in Durham, it felt particularly special to be working within such a historic setting. Prior’s Hall is a beautiful, centuries-old space tucked away in Durham Cathedral, and the atmosphere of quiet inquiry suited the day perfectly. The old stone walls, natural light, and sense of occasion helped shape the tone of the film.
One of the most powerful aspects of the workshop was the comparison between medieval Norwegian church practices and contemporary offering rituals in Tonga’s Methodist communities. This cross-cultural lens invited everyone—academics and public attendees alike—to think differently about money, generosity, and the afterlife.
The event was a great example of how public engagement can shape academic research. Many of the best questions came from members of the public—simple, honest queries that sparked fresh lines of thinking.
“Every time I’m at such an event, I go home with new questions,” one researcher said.
“Often they come from questions I can’t immediately answer—but need to work with.”
This is exactly the kind of moment I try to preserve through documentary videography. It’s not just about filming speakers—it’s about capturing the spark between people. A look of recognition. A new idea forming. The murmur of disagreement or curiosity around the edges.
There was also a strong sense of interdisciplinarity throughout the day. Archaeologists, anthropologists, theologians—all speaking together, listening, adjusting their language so others could join the conversation. It was collaborative, accessible, and generous in spirit.
As someone working in documentary videography with a focus on research, the arts, and heritage, I love filming events like this. They’re alive with possibility. You don’t know what’s going to be said, or where the discussion will go. But you do know that the story will be richer because it’s shared between many voices.
From a practical point of view, I kept my filming setup minimal—just enough to capture strong visuals and clean sound, without becoming a distraction. This approach is something I often bring to my work as a videographer in Durham and the wider North East. It helps create a more relaxed environment and keeps the focus where it belongs: on the people and ideas.
Whether you’re organising a research event, a public workshop, or an academic conference, documentary videographycan be a powerful tool for extending its reach. It allows the conversation to continue long after the day has ended—and makes your ideas accessible to new audiences.
This short film is one of many I’ve made that aim to bridge the gap between academia and the public, and to support thoughtful, engaging conversations about culture, belief, and the human experience.
Watch the short film below.
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If you’re looking for professional documentary videography or need a videographer in Durham or the North East, feel free to get in touch.
I also work nationally on commissioned research, heritage, and creative projects.
Explore more of my academic filmmaking work here:
👉 https://alanfentiman.co.uk/vimeo-videos/academic-films/
To learn more about research and public events at Durham University, visit: