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Interfacing
A short film by artist-researcher Dr. Daksha Patel, titled Interfacing, has received international recognition, winning an award at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival (Winter 2025). The film was created in response to pioneering biophysical research into lipid membranes led by Dr. Margarita Staykova at Durham University.
Interfacing explores the dynamic world of membranes and interfaces through a fusion of science, art and the experiences of those undertaking this research. Developed with support from a small fund from the Biophysical Sciences Institute, the film draws inspiration from conversations with Dr. Staykova and visual material from her research. It combines creative coding, experimental data, and the testimonies of scientists including Dr. Staykova and Professor Kislon Voitchovsky, both from Durham’s Department of Physics and BSI, to create a unique snapshot of this area of research.
The film has also been selected for several prestigious international festivals. It was featured at the Science New Wave Festival XVII, hosted by Imagine Science Films and Labocine in New York in October 2024. Most recently, it was showcased at the Sheffield International Film Festival in May 2025, further cementing its impact across both scientific and artistic communities.
Dr. Patel’s film highlights the innovative research taking place within Durham’s Animate Materials research theme, offering a poetic and visually rich interpretation of complex scientific ideas. Through Interfacing, she opens a dialogue between disciplines, making cutting-edge biophysical research accessible and engaging to wider audiences. View Interfacing below and find out more using the links beneath.
