Ethnographic films are a powerful tool for learning. Unlike scripted documentaries, they capture real life as it unfolds, showing complexity, contradiction, and emotion without telling viewers what to think. This makes them ideal for exploring challenging but important topics in training and education: communication across difference, diversity, migration and mobility, cultural differences, and discrimination. But many trainers and educators who want to use them do not quite know how. Narrator-free films can feel challenging to work with. It is not always obvious how to structure discussion, handle sensitive moments, or connect what is on screen to specific learning goals.

This project addresses that gap. Drawing on the nine ERC-funded MobileDeaf ethnographic films as a concrete starting point, we will talk to experienced trainers to find out what they need, then develop and test a practical toolkit to help facilitators use ethnographic films in classrooms and workshops. The toolkit will include step-by-step facilitation guides, advice on handling sensitive content, and short walkthrough videos in British Sign Language and International Sign. Everything will be freely available on the MobileDeaf website and launched internationally through a webinar.