Reflection on Local Films - Leandra Nair (6) 4B

I believe that these people want to tell a story through film medium because it would be able to affect a large group of people. We often find ourselves more engaged when we can see and hear the story, instead of just reading about it. This way, filmmakers are able to spread their message to wide groups of audiences, including the illiterate, through their film works. I believe that these filmmakers wish to expose people more to the world they have yet to discover through their documentaries. Most people who watch these documentaries are from developed countries, but the content is usually about people from the developing countries. These documentaries tug at heartstrings and also raise awareness about the social and economical situation other countries are facing and how it impacts their lives. For example, in "the Menstrual Man" it talks about how women die due to infection from poor menstrual hygiene. Not only does this make us more aware of the state of other peoples' lives, it also makes us appreciate what we have more. We easily take education, hygiene, good health for granted because we have never experienced the harsh impacts of the lack of such things. These documentaries remind us that there are other people out there that are suffering and do not have the basic necessities that we so easily take for granted. 

Some obstacles the filmmakers might face is that they would have trouble accessing the rural areas. The rural areas which are usually the ones that need the most help are not always easily accessible and they may have trouble trying to get into these areas. In order to overcome these obstacles, I believe that filmmakers must be adaptable and willing to embrace new challenges, they must persevere on and keep trying ways and means to get the raw footage for their film. If they give up the moment they are unable to access it, it is unlikely that they will go far in the industry. 

I feel that local production is often looked down on as it has yet to prove that it is comparable to the blockbuster films. However, I find that locals have to appreciate the unique style and approach that local films take. Local films play heavily on the themes of family, friendship and love, and the scenes often revolve around the common sights and sounds we experience everyday. I feel that local films should be encouraged and promoted more because it is unique and special to our country. Many local films have lines that only the locals would understand. For example in a famous local film "Ah boys to men", the characters make use of a lot of "singlish". This can only be understood and appreciated in Singapore as other people will not be able to appreciate the culture and lifestyle as much as Singaporeans would. The locals films allow for locals to identify with them and hence are more impactful in bringing across the filmmakers' messages. Thus, I believe that they should be encouraged more in Singapore.