Sao Paulo Reflections
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"Participating in the 'Civil Safety and Social Violence' workshop was an enlightening experience for me. My initial expectations were to test hypotheses about realistic cinematography, based on Andre Bazin's theories, and to share ideas with my colleagues. The workshop not only fulfilled these expectations but exceeded them. The workshop's atmosphere was friendly and professional, fostering an environment where we could improve our audiovisual skills, learn about new cultures, and give our best. I particularly appreciated the way the workshop was led, giving all participants the opportunity to express themselves and experiment with their skills to create unique short films. It was not just about filmmaking; it was about exploring the issues concerning the BRICS countries, which added depth to our creative endeavors. After the workshop, I found myself thinking about new processes for creating audiovisual works. I had always been accustomed to meticulously planning scripts before shooting, but this workshop introduced me to a different, more dynamic approach. I believe the films produced during the project should be made available on a website or a video platform to share our collective results with a wider audience. I genuinely hope similar projects become more frequent in the future. Thank you for this fantastic experience."
Alexandre Gomes do Nascimento(Brazil)
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"My participation in the 'Civil Safety and Social Violence' workshop was an exceptional experience that surpassed my initial expectations. I came into the workshop expecting a week of intensive learning and filmmaking practice. However, the workshop offered much more. It started with a friendly introduction, allowing all participants to share their experiences and backgrounds. The workshop was skillfully organized by Jyoti, the project's coordinator, who divided us into small groups, each with the freedom to pursue unique ideas. This approach allowed us to develop creative and distinctive works. The collaborative and democratic environment encouraged us to explore and experiment, making it an optimal learning experience. For me, the workshop was an eye-opener, pushing me further towards practical filmmaking. As a graduate student, my role had mainly been research-oriented, but this workshop showed me the importance of combining observation, reflection, and practice in the filmmaking process. It was a valuable and unforgettable week, and the connections formed with my fellow participants are something I cherish. Thank you for this incredible opportunity."
Juliana Penna(Brazil)
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My expectations for the workshop were initially rigid, thinking I had to mold my research to fit the workshop's requirements. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the workshop's flexibility and the diverse range of experiences it offered. It was an enriching blend of exploration and academia, providing insights into the various research interests of the participants. The workshop was not just about filmmaking; it included city walks and learning about Sao Paulo's history, adding a historical and socio-political dimension to our work. I was amazed by the level of flexibility and adaptability the workshop provided, allowing us to create and complete visual projects within a short timeframe. The experience expanded my understanding of my discipline in filmmaking and encouraged me to rethink my research in the context of the BRICS model. Being in Brazil and immersing myself in its socio-political landscape reshaped my perspective as a filmmaker. However, I do believe that a larger group with more opportunities for interactions would have made the experience even more enriching. Thank you for this unique and enlightening experience."
Shammelah Khan (South Africa)
Beijing Reflections
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Participating in the "My world in images, made immediate: The student is the industry" workshop was a unique and eye-opening experience. My expectations going in were to explore how students from different countries perceive concepts like "beauty," "relationship," and "future" and how these perceptions manifest in image representation and social media dissemination. Throughout the workshop, I observed interesting cultural differences in how Chinese and South African students approached these topics. Chinese students tended to focus on personal perspectives, while South African students emphasized the influence of family, society, and nationality. These diverse viewpoints also translated into variations in image processing techniques. The learning environment of this research experience was dynamic and engaging. We used a multi-screen new media classroom and conducted communication through Skype, which allowed for a more interactive teaching approach compared to traditional methods. The use of platforms like TikTok and Vimeo for uploading our work made the learning process more enjoyable and unconventional. One of the most significant takeaways from this experience was the opportunity to explore different collage methods. I experimented with various techniques, including computer software-based processing and direct clipping. It was fascinating to see how South African students used video segments in their collage creations, which inspired me to explore video-based collage creation in the future. Typically, I'm more accustomed to graphic design in collage creation, but this workshop broadened my horizons. In terms of general feedback, I observed that we were initially a bit nervous, which hindered our communication and creativity. However, as we became more familiar with each other and the project, we were able to let go of our inhibitions and engage more freely. Overall, this workshop provided a valuable platform for cross-cultural learning and artistic exploration, and I'm grateful for the experience.
Jian Ruyin(China)
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Participating in the "My world in images, made immediate: The student is the industry" workshop was an exciting experience for me as an undergraduate senior majoring in editing and publishing for new media. My primary expectation going into this research project was to have the opportunity to communicate with international students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Throughout the workshop, I observed that, despite certain device-related issues, the project provided a unique platform for students from South Africa and China to express themselves freely. This open atmosphere encouraged creative and open dialogues between the participants. The most significant takeaway for me was the experience of sharing my work and receiving feedback from both international teachers and students. The diversity of cultural backgrounds led to different perspectives and critical thinking, which was quite impressive. This experience significantly informed my understanding of my discipline in filmmaking, as the comments and discussions, particularly from international participants, were invaluable for my growth and learning. The overall atmosphere of the workshop was wonderful, and I truly hope to have more opportunities to engage in such cross-cultural and creative projects in the future. This experience has enriched my perspective and provided valuable insights into the world of new media editing and publishing.
Zhang Cong (China)
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Participating in the "My world in images, made immediate: The student is the industry" workshop was a highly anticipated experience for me as a junior undergraduate majoring in TV editing. My expectations for this research project were quite positive, as I was excited about the opportunity to make friends with students from South Africa and learn more about the world of images. During the workshop, I observed a transformative experience that challenged my preconceived notions about online classes. The classroom atmosphere was relaxed, and what stood out the most was the open and interactive nature of the learning process. Here, questions could be raised at any time, and we learned from each other's perspectives. The diversity of ideas and cultural backgrounds became evident as Chinese and South African students interacted, offering a rich cross-cultural learning experience. Reflecting on this experience, I found the lessons to be highly valuable, and the people involved were incredibly friendly. Our classroom was equipped with high-tech equipment and maintained a tidy environment. However, the internet connectivity was occasionally hampered by restrictions, which could be a challenge at times. This experience significantly expanded my horizon and influenced my understanding of my discipline in filmmaking. The most striking realization was the differences in how we perceive the world, with contrasting viewpoints between Chinese and South African students. It has encouraged me to think more broadly and creatively in my future work. In general, I found this project to be excellent. It provided an opportunity for self-discovery and allowed us to get to know our friends from South Africa better. This experience was a valuable cross-cultural exchange that left a lasting impact on my perspective as a student of TV editing.
Jin Run Bei (China)
Joburg Reflections
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Participating in the "My world in images, made immediate: The student is the industry" workshop was an exciting opportunity for me as a fourth-year student majoring in film and television. My initial expectations for this research project were centered around the prospect of collaborating with international students to explore different modes of communication and expression. I was particularly interested in how Chinese students would interpret our work and vice versa, aiming to test the depth of visual representation and image-making. Throughout the workshop, I observed an enriching experience that provided a fresh perspective on visual communication. It enabled various cultures and stories to share their narratives, bridging the gaps of language, location, and culture. Reflecting on this experience, I found the setting to be conducive for creativity. The workshop had an informal and non-restrictive environment, which allowed us to be experimental and inventive in our expression. This experience has significantly contributed to my understanding of my discipline in filmmaking. I've learned that in visual representation, one doesn't necessarily have to be direct or literal. Images that evoke specific feelings or emotions can effectively convey ideas or make a point. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the exercises that pushed me to be more creative. Interacting with students from a different culture and demographic through images was an intriguing and enlightening experience. However, there were minor technical issues that occasionally disrupted our connections. I would have liked to gain more insight into how the Chinese students interpreted our work and what they thought of it. Despite these challenges, the workshop provided a valuable cross-cultural exchange and deepened my understanding of visual communication in the field of filmmaking.
Tshegofatso Dibakoane( South Africa)
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Participating in the research project, "The student is the industry," was an intriguing and enlightening experience for me as a Master of Fine Arts (YOS2) student. I entered the project with very few expectations, uncertain about what was anticipated of us as participants. My primary interest lay in interacting and collaborating with students from Communication University of China (CUC), hoping to gain insight into their culture and working methods. The project's title, "The student is the industry," piqued my curiosity, and I was eager to see how this concept would manifest during the research project. While I did anticipate more time for each assignment, the technical limitations did not pose a significant challenge, as the project did not require intense technical proficiency. Throughout the project, there were three assignments, each related to a different theme. Discussions were facilitated by Nduka, Yu Ran, and Jyoti, fostering open communication among all participants. This approach allowed for equal opportunities to showcase our work, receive feedback, and engage in discussions. Each assignment introduced a unique reflection on Chinese and South African cultures, customs, religions, and ways of life. The assignments were playful and experimental, offering complete freedom of expression. Even when we occasionally strayed from the brief or misinterpreted it, our work received enthusiastic responses and constructive criticism from fellow students, lecturers, and professors. As South Africans, we had the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, student life, family life, and how social media operates in China. We were introduced to the different aesthetic sensibilities between students from both countries. This experience highlighted the differences as well as the many shared similarities that transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences. The project allowed for a very personal approach to broad themes such as culture, home, relationships, family, student and university life, beauty, and perceptions of the future. It provided an intimate insight into the lives of students from both countries. This experience expanded my understanding of filmmaking by emphasizing the use of still and moving images as tools for research and experimentation. The idea that "the student is the industry" resonated with me, highlighting our interconnectedness through the internet. It underscored the potential for using new media and technologies to create networks, collaborations, and opportunities for artistic expression outside the traditional film industry. I also gained insights into censorship and the use of online spaces in China, understanding how image-making differs in that context. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, not only for the opportunity to interact with Chinese and South African students but also for the open-minded approach that encouraged the creation of work and a sense of community among young filmmakers. It would have been beneficial to receive earlier briefings to enable closer collaboration with the Chinese students, given the time difference and geographical separation. Additionally, a formal debriefing process would be beneficial to address concerns related to consent, information sharing, and student inquiries. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this research project, and it has left a positive and lasting impression on my understanding of visual communication and filmmaking.
Crystal Wilton(South Africa)
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Participating in the week-long research project was an enlightening experience for me as a fourth-year student, although I am not affiliated with a specific discipline. My expectations going into the project were primarily centered on gaining a better understanding of the technology used in various parts of the world for sharing creative work. I was also curious to explore how to build a "digital audience" using applications that support video uploading and how the limitations of these applications affect the creative process. Throughout the experience, I found it fascinating to see how social and cultural aspects differ between South Africa and other countries and how these differences impact filmmakers. The project also allowed me to observe how applications are received in different regions and how people leverage these applications. In particular, the use of TikTok stood out as a platform that enables faster audience-building and increased interaction with posted content. Reflecting on the overall experience, I found it enjoyable to use technology as a means of communication and witness how the internet landscape differs from one country to another. It was also intriguing to see how individuals use TikTok to showcase their work, as well as harness the effects and editing options available within the app to create compelling content. This experience has deepened my understanding of filmmaking by emphasizing the importance of form and how filmmakers have various avenues to showcase their work. It also taught me to find creative ways to overcome limitations that may exist within certain applications, a valuable insight for my craft in filmmaking. In conclusion, I found this research project to be both interesting and enjoyable. It provided a unique opportunity to explore technology and communication across cultures and broaden my understanding of the field of filmmaking.
Dushant Naidu(South Africa)
Pune Reflections
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As a student of sound recording and design, my expectations for being involved in this research project were centered around my studies related to the misrepresentation and misappropriation of gender in media. I aimed to explore how these issues could be challenged through filmmaking and contribute to the unlearning process, especially for the audience. My observations during the workshop were both enlightening and thought-provoking. Each phase of the workshop, from the initial discussions to the journey to the location, the shooting and interviews, and film analysis, provided me with new insights to discuss and reflect upon. It equipped me with a vocabulary to engage with gender issues in a more relatable and accessible manner, making it easier to convey the message to those who have been influenced by cultural representations of gender. The experience was enriching and stimulating, shedding light on the conversations that families from different cultures can have. It was fascinating to witness their interactions with researchers from a completely different cultural background and their reactions to those conversations. The open and fruitful discussions among researchers and students fostered a comfortable learning environment. Every voice was heard with equal attention, irrespective of whether one was a teacher or a student. This experience has significantly informed my understanding of my discipline in filmmaking, specifically as a sync sound recordist on location. It sharpened my focus, and by the second or third day, I gained more confidence in determining what was crucial to record, whether with or without the camera. This newfound confidence will serve me well in my future endeavors in documentary filmmaking. In general, the workshop provided me with a glimpse of how film research can open doors and windows that were previously perceived as walls. It highlighted the importance of exploring these avenues, especially in our complex society. If I were to provide constructive feedback, I would suggest that more thoughtful considerations be given to the basis on which teams are formed. Nonetheless, the overall experience was highly enjoyable, and I hope to see more cultural exchanges like this in the future. We learn so much from the participants themselves—the questions they pose and their fresh perspectives on our cultural norms. The workshop has expanded my horizons and deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of filmmaking research, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my future work.
Ramandeep Malhotra(India)
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As a fifth-semester student majoring in Direction and Screenplay Writing, I came into this research project with a set of expectations. My primary hope was to become a cross-cultural mirror that would facilitate an exchange between different subject positions. I envisioned a space where the liminal boundaries between the researcher and the researched could be challenged, allowing for the possibility of osmosis. I also anticipated an opportunity to explore the concept of "Geographies of Gender" from both theoretical and conceptual perspectives, delving into the collective and individual imaginations that encompass this term. Observing the experience, it became evident that there was indeed an exchange occurring from different positions, including the subversion of the roles of "the researched" or "the looked at." However, the challenge lay in creating a porous space for cultural osmosis. The pre-estimated and pre-existing cultural, educational, and ethical positions seemed to function more as barriers than bridges. The role of the mediator, who was physically performing from multiple positions of gender identity simultaneously, became a unique field where diverse ideas and perspectives converged. Reflecting on the experience and the learning environment, it was striking to observe that researchers from different countries and the researched were using similar social concepts such as weddings, love, rituals, religion, gods, and children. Still, they were honing these concepts into distinct gender roles based on the varied contexts. This raised questions about unlearning, emphasizing the need to transcend one's personal acceptances and go beyond what had been acquired through one's specific "way of life." There were moments when denial or pretense of acceptance was not possible, and direct acknowledgment became essential. This experience significantly informed my understanding of my discipline in filmmaking. It emphasized the concept of found cinema, where the filmmaker, armed with a conceptual and philosophical backdrop, explores a space and the artifacts and people associated with it. This process leads to the discovery of affective moments in the field that can challenge the practitioner in unique ways. The importance of filmic technique was underscored in the field relations, and post-production saw the intermingling of different minds, creating unexpected surprises. In general, this research project made me contemplate the temporality of space. It highlighted the potential for merging philosophy and film, which takes precedence over filmic techniques. Continents and countries carry their own mysteries and ancestral memories beyond their historiographic consciousness. When these mysteries and memories collide, an inexplicable and unavoidable abyss emerges. While this abyss cannot be challenged, it can be acknowledged, offering the possibility of a new future for cinema, born from the realm of the unknown.
Sanskriti Chattopadhyay(India)
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I am a third-year, 5th-semester student majoring in PG Film Editing. In this week-long research project, my expectations were centered around understanding the nature and psychology of individuals. I aimed to explore how to conclude a research topic, particularly its authenticity. I questioned whether the research would reflect a personal view or understanding. The experience was most intriguing for me during the discussions that took place when we returned to the FTII campus. These discussions unearthed valuable information that I hadn't fully grasped while in the field at Maheshwar. I realized the importance of collecting all types of information, be it in text, visual, or audio formats, without filtering it on the field. My reflection on the experience and the learning environment emphasized the disparity between visual representation and reality. What we perceive visually often differs from the actual reality. This insight challenged my perspective on the place and its people. This research experience has significantly contributed to my understanding of my discipline in filmmaking. It exposed me to different individuals' thoughts, psyches, and human behaviors, fostering a deeper comprehension of the place. In filmmaking, we also grapple with these aspects, making this research invaluable. In terms of general feedback and overall impressions, I have two suggestions. Firstly, it would be beneficial to meet with unknown people whom we have not encountered before. This approach can prevent personal attachments that may divert the research topic. Secondly, it would be advantageous for each team member to interact with different individuals and collect information (text, visual, and audio) using their unique perspective. Avoiding discussions about the research topic during fieldwork and collating all the information at a later stage could result in a more comprehensive and broader approach to the research.
Bablu Murmu (India)