The Open University

Embodied Identities

An intimate documentary for the Child Development and Youth module.

This film explores how young people in the UK formulate their identities through expression on the body, for example through clothing, exercise or tattoos, and reflects on their motivations behind these actions.

John Oates Lecturer in Education, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, The Open University Senior Lecturer, Developmental Psychology

"... the close collaboration with Hamlett Films’ director and editor was just what was needed to produce what has been a very successful piece."

Careful research found teenagers willing to be interviewed about a very private and personal subject matter. The young people featured are varied and contemporary with diverse gender identities and ethnicities. The film brings out rich themes of religion, psychology and identity.

Recent projects