Steven Eastwood

Professor Steven Eastwood is a Professor of Film Practice at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), leading Film Practice and directing the BLOC arts complex. He holds a PhD from UCL Slade School of Fine Art (2007). His work bridges film, installation, and co-creation with neurodivergent communities, palliative care professionals, and medical educators. Eastwood's research focuses on neurodiversity representation, end-of-life narratives, and fact-fiction hybrid practices.

Key works include The Stimming Pool (2024, co-created with Neurocultures Collective), ISLAND (2017, hospice documentary), and Buried Land (2010, Bosnian archaeology film). His ISLAND educational toolkit is used by NHS Trusts for medical training. Awards include Wellcome Trust grants, BFI London Film Festival premieres, and Grierson Award nominations.

• Academic Leadership: Head of Film Practice, QMUL Centre for Film & Ethics founder
• Education: BA/PhD from UCL, prior roles at University of East London and SUNY Buffalo
• Grants: Wellcome Trust, AHRC, Arts Council England, Paul Hamlyn Foundation
• Labs: BLOC cinema-lab complex with 4K Dolby Atmos facilities

Research explores ethical filmmaking in sensitive domains like palliative care and autism advocacy. Recent projects include Autism Through Cinema (2018-2022) and Death and Dying studies through multiscreen installations.

• Supervision: 6 current PhD students focusing on documentary ethics, neurodiversity, and prison narratives
• External Examining: Practice-based film PhDs across UK institutions