Audio-visual Creation with Indian-Film Archives — Technology, Film Heritage and Identity

About the Project

This practice-based research project will investigate how experimental technologies for audiovisual creation can create new artforms focused on archival significations of existing tangible and intangible film heritage and public engagement with archives. The project will reimagine archives as creative spaces to produce transformative approaches to transnational film heritage and generate innovative forms of archival documentation. The researcher will work with the unique holdings in the Indian Cinema Archive at De Montfort University, from publicity material in multiple languages to digital files. The researcher will draw on these materials in conjunction with domains such as electroacoustic composition theory and practice, real-time sensing and performance technologies, algorithmic music and image, surround-sound, learning AI, immersive XR, audiovisual composition, or experimental digital animation and effects. The aim of the work is to transform conceptions of how archives can be brought to life through integration of artistic acts, technology and public connection.

The PhD Programme

The DMU PhD provides a solid education for a research career, whether you stay in academic research or move to industry. There is a well-developed Researcher Development Programme which you will undertake alongside your research, supporting you through each year of your PhD. Working closely with your supervisors, you will undertake open-ended research. As part of a vibrant PhD community in the Faculty, you will have training opportunities which lead to presentations at international conferences and in writing papers in leading academic journals as the research progresses into the later stages of the PhD. The student will graduate with skills and knowledge at the forefront of academic and industrial expectations.

Entry Requirements

You must have achieved or be close to achieving a UK Honours Degree with at least an upper second class (2:1) or a Master's Degree or an academic or professional qualification with relevant experience in the sector or industry, which is deemed to be equivalent, or an international equivalent

Closing date: 1 year from the date of uploading. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Starting date: There are three intakes a year at DMU and it is expected the successful candidate will start either in January 2026, April 2026 or October 2026.

How to apply

To apply for a research degree, you will need to apply via our Admissions Portal https://dmuhub.dmu.ac.uk/apply/index.html. You are required to provide the documentation as listed within section 5b at https://www.dmu.ac.uk/doctoral-college/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Studied at DMU previously? If you have studied at DMU previously, please submit the documentation listed in 5b via email to pgradmissions@dmu.ac.uk, not through the admissions portal. You will also need to complete and attach our application form and annexe form alongside the documents requested below:

You will need to select a programme code when applying from a list of research degree programme codes. Please select the programme code closest to your research proposal.