What could Scotland be like by the year 2030? What should it be like?
Our own James Blake, Director of the Centre for Media and Culture here at Edinburgh Napier, hoped to provide the answer as he premiered his new short film at the Scottish Parliament last night.
The 15-minute documentary, called Our Future Scotland, was commissioned by the Scotland’s Futures Forum, based at the Scottish Parliament.
The film showcases a range of visions of the future, with contributions from leading figures from politics, business, education and the arts on their aspirations for 2030, including Scotland’s First Minister, the writers Chris Brookmyre and David Baillie, the actor Brian Cox and the Scots Makar Jackie Kay.
A panel discussion on themes raised in the film followed the screening, with Brookmyre, Cox and Director of the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, Professor Sethu Vijayakumar, sharing their views. This was chaired by the Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP.
The film is part of James’s ongoing research work into interactive and participatory media forms.
James said, “It’s intended to be a launch-pad for others to send in their ideas and aspirations for the future of Scotland. People can take part by visiting the dedicated website.”
This website and related social media campaign also has that Edinburgh Napier touch, being managed by Siobhan O’Connor from the University’s School of Health and Social Care.