Soul Wound

- An exploration of applied psychology through dramatic storytelling and film.

The Scientists-as-Filmmakers project is a unique initiative designed to bridge the communication gap between scientists and the public. Often, scientists struggle to present complex findings in a way that resonates with a broader audience. To address this, the Swiss Science Film Academy launched a program that empowers scientists to use dramatic storytelling and filmmaking as tools to make their research more accessible and engaging. Through hands-on training, participants learn and apply visual storytelling techniques, ultimately creating short films that translate their scientific work into compelling, relatable narratives.

Driven by my personal passion for exploring humanity and culture, I chose a topic in applied psychology: Historical Trauma. Collaborating with three other team members from diverse backgrounds (Figures to the right), we explored this topic, which examines the intergenerational transmission of emotional and psychological wounds within a community, often rooted in systemic oppression, violence, or cultural destruction.

We found historical trauma particularly powerful in cinematic terms, as it brings focus to people’s deeply personal, often invisible wounds. By using documentary storytelling, we aim to create a sense of intimacy, drawing audiences closer to these experiences and illuminating their enduring impact.

Dr. Eda Elif Tibet (left), a documentary filmmaker and anthropologist, alongside Dr. Celestin Mutuyimana (right), a psychologist.

Team members familiarize themselves with cinematography equipment, including cameras and lenses.

Elif is interacting with her surroundings, demonstrating an expressive moment of storytelling or observation within a natural setting.

Céline, our team member, a physicist, captured in an intimate moment of contemplation, set against a serene natural backdrop.

Céline sits calmly, her camera resting on her lap, as she reflects amidst the tranquil natural surroundings.

A little creature :)

Celestin is acting as the main character in this film.

Celestin, playing the Rwandan man, chops cabbages with his friend (Célin), in a scene where quiet daily life carries echoes of the past.

A closer look at the blade, where we reveal the fear and deep sorrow underneath.

The film begins in a sunlit world that seems almost idyllic, a fleeting mirage of normalcy. A Rwandan man, harvests in his backyard. His hands move with practiced ease, gathering the fruits of the earth in a quiet rhythm. To the untrained eye, this is peace. To anyone watching closely, the story is entirely different. There’s something in his eyes - a shadow, a storm, the unmistakable weight of a past that clings too tightly.

We wanted to bring the audience into his daily life. In one scene, we follow him into his kitchen, where he’s preparing a meal with his friend. It’s a simple, everyday moment - two people cooking together, sharing small laughs through looks and gestures. As they chop cabbages side by side, there’s an easy rhythm to their movements, almost like a quiet routine they’ve done many times before. But even in this calm, history stirs beneath the surface.

As his friend finishes cutting and sets the knife down on a plate, something changes. The man suddenly flinches, pulling his hand back quickly - not because of the knife, but because of a memory it brings up. It’s a brief moment, but it says a lot about the lasting impact of his past. A simple, everyday action brings back something much deeper.

This is where the story begins: in these fleeting moments where the past collides with the present, leaving behind scars that are as vivid as they are invisible. Through these small, human gestures, we wanted to reveal the enormity of the wounds carried in silence - and the resilience that allows them to endure.

Hey there, this is the default text for a new paragraph. Feel free to edit this paragraph by clicking on the yellow edit icon. After you are done just click on the yellow checkmark button on the top right. Have Fun!