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Biography

Renate Schelwald is a visual ethnographer, filmmaker, and psychologist. She holds a BA in Psychology from Utrecht University, during which she took a minor in Film & Videography at Deakin University Melbourne. After completing her BA, she went on to do a premaster in Cultural Anthropology and Developmental Sociology at Leiden University. She completed her MA cum laude, specializing in visual ethnography. Her thesis was on "The impact of Environmental Change on the Relationship with and Knowledge about the Ocean", receiving grants from Jo Kolk Fonds and Leiden University Fonds to support her research. In 2020, her film 'In the Arms of the Ocean' received the first prize in the sustainability category of 2Rivers Film Festival. She subsequently completed her MA in Clinical Psychology at Utrecht University, taking courses in feminist theory of art and affect, and environmental humanities. 

Currently, Schelwald works as a PhD researcher at the University of Rotterdam, exploring the ways in which municipalities can aid communities in becoming more sustainable. After her fieldwork around Rotterdam, she conducted a second case study in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, learning more about sustainable foodscapes.

In addition to her academic and professional work, Schelwald is also a self-employed videographer and editor. She also does charity work for Surfrider Foundation.