In this powerful talk, a Zimbabwean-born, Selma, explores how colonialism shaped her identity and how hybridity - living between cultures - offers not confusion, but clarity. Through personal reflection, literature, and theatre, she challenges us to rethink what it means to belong and how acknowledging the shared weight of our histories can help us build a more connected, empathetic future.Selma Ari De Rossi is a Zimbabwean-born actress and writer. She has earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from the University of Lincoln. Her doctoral research explored the representations of Zimbabwean national identity through playwriting, exploring how British colonialism influenced Zimbabwean-based and diasporic playwrights. Passionate about reflecting on cultural narratives, Selma’s work delves into the complexities of identity and heritage. Currently, she is contributing a chapter to The Cambridge History of Black British Theatre and Performance, focusing on Zimbabwean playwrights in Britain. Her combined passions in acting, writing and research seamlessly blend scholarly research with creative artistry. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Through a moving mix of original poetry and personal reflection, this talk explores bravery, belonging, and the inner conflicts we all carry. From war zones to bus rides, poet and performer Scott captures both global and intimate struggles - then shifts the lens toward hope, diversity, and human connection. With warmth and imagination, he reminds us that we’re all made of the same stardust and that our shared stories and ideas can light the way forward.Scott is a poet and artist, and was the 2022 Stamford Poet Laureate. He started off not as a poet but a lyricist, citing the likes of Noel Gallagher, Lennon & McCartney, Bob Dylan, Guy Chambers, Billy Bragg and Neil Tennant as some of his primary influences. He has been involved with projects for two local charities; Stamford Diversity Group and MindSpace Stamford. At MindSpace he runs a monthly fun writing group called Playing With Words. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can we still enjoy our favourite films without harming the planet? This thought-provoking talk explores the hidden environmental cost of the film and television industry, from carbon-heavy productions to the subconscious impacts of product placement. As a climate-conscious media lecturer, Jack reveals why we don’t need to cancel escapism but reimagine it by telling local stories, using greener methods, and leaving communities better than we found them. It’s not about giving up fantasy - it’s about finding a better balance.Jack Shelbourn, an Arri-certified Director of Photography and HEA-recognized Senior Lecturer, is a BAFTA albert-certified sustainable cinematography researcher and PhD student. Pursuing a PhD in sustainable cinematography at the University of Lincoln, where he is the programme lead for the BA Film Production programme, Jack's research explores ‘New Naturalism’—focusing on the environmental benefits of using natural, available, and reflected light in film. His work examines the creative possibilities within these lighting limitations. Previously, he led the BA (Hons) Film & Television Studies programme at Lincoln. His cinematography has earned awards, including Mind-Set (2022), which won Best UK Feature at the Manchester International Film Festival. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Daria and Gracie challenge decades of advertising norms that equate sex appeal with success. Tracing the harmful impact of oversexualised imagery, they reveal how body image, mental health, and identity have been distorted by outdated marketing strategies. But there’s hope: brands embracing authenticity and diversity are not only creating healthier messages - they’re thriving. This is a call to rethink what we sell, how we sell it, and what that says about us.Gracie Beadling is 3rd year BA Photography student at the University of Lincoln. She is a freelance photographer who also runs a Lincoln-based student magazine focusing on art, fashion and photography with interviews with giants of the world of arts from all over. Gracie specialises in historical photography, ranging from the 1880s to the 1950s, and she has done independent projects on advertising throughout Western history.Daria Chyzhyk is a third-year BA Photography student at the University of Lincoln. As a freelance photographer, she hones her skills by studying the advertising industry and exploring the challenges of gender representation in everyday media. Daria spent six months in Germany as an Erasmus exchange student, where she studied Media Management and worked as a backstage photographer, further enriching her international experience. Before studying at Lincoln, she earned an online degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 2022. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What do a medieval instrument, a blind beggar, and a painting by Hieronymus Bosch have in common? In this evocative talk, we journey through the strange and powerful story of the hurdy-gurdy - from its sacred origins and surreal appearances in art, to its place in Ukrainian folk tradition. With live music and untold history, this is a moving reminder of how culture survives even in the face of silence.Iryna Muha is a Ukrainian-born singer, songwriter, and hurdy-gurdy player. She is the leader of MUHA band, a director of Ukrainian School Band, early music practitioner and a keen collaborator. Based in the UK, she works nationally and internationally, including previous appearances on BBC Radio 3, BBC radio 4 and performances at festivals like Eurovision Liverpool 2023, Latitude, including showcasing at the International Folk Alliance in USA. Iryna is also known for experimenting with digital music, natural sounds and multimedia. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this inspiring and humorous TEDx talk, veteran Nigerian actor and director Charles Inojie challenges the outdated belief that entertainment is a career for the unserious. Drawing from his own journey and decades in Nollywood, he breaks down the discipline, creativity, and economic value behind the entertainment industry. This talk makes a bold case for recognizing entertainment not just as a valid profession—but as one of the most powerful forces shaping culture, identity, and global influence today. Whether you’re a dreamer, a doubter, or a parent of an aspiring artist, this talk will shift your perspective. Charles is from a royal family. He grew up with his grandmother and hardly recollects his mother because at a young age he was sent to another geographical location for the purpose of keeping his aging grandmother company. He aspired to someday be a lawyer but had a change of mind when he attended Bode Osoyin's Writers resort, where he decided to acquire a certificate course in dramatic arts. In 1993, he achieved this goal and would later graduate from the University of Port Harcourt in 1999. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx