Growing up watching narrative movies, I don't have lots of knowledge or experiences regarding to documentaries. However, by parading with the public on a strike event that happened in Lancaster, it makes me reflect upon on the differences between documentary filmmaking and narrative filmmaking. At some point, I feel like a journalist/ reporter that I am standing in a crowd, trying to capture people's voices, their speeches, their demands in the movement. It is showing the audience the issues, the reality and the presents which is quite straightforward yet pragmatic. Overall, documentaries offered me a whole new perspective in looking at objects, topics for filmmaking.
Behind-the-scenes of People on the Ground (2023)
In 2023, there was a massive and impactful strike that happens within the Lancaster University campus. I was completely shock with the united and great efforts that came from teachers, students, parents. As an international student, coming from a place where strike merely happened, the public reactions (discontent) towards schools and governments underpaying and misuse of financial resources has really interested me of what was the driving force that triggered the movement, what core values that bring these people together to head outside and stand against the prominent social problems that have long existed in the UK society?
My production group decided that in order to learn about the strike, we have to join the rally. We follow the Dalton Square demonstration through Lancaster, take part in the Lancaster University picket line and hear from a teacher, student, parent and council member about their opinions on the strike, and their reasons for their involvement.