Over the past few weeks, my team and I have been working on a documentary, Roofless Realities, about the challenges of renting and mental health for international students in Melbourne. This journey is full of challenges, but every difficulty also brings opportunities to learn and grow. Through in-depth interviews and research, we shed light on the difficulties international students face in renting and the lack of mental health support.
To engage audiences and effectively convey the documentary’s core concerns, we have considered various screening and communication strategies. These include participating in local and international film festivals, partnering with universities and colleges, utilizing online platforms and social media for promotion, hosting expert panels and Q&A sessions, and collaborating with NGOs and student organizations. These methods can help us expand our reach and connect with more people in need.
If the opportunity arises to continue with this project, we plan to include more detailed personal narratives covering the stories of international students from diverse backgrounds to provide a fuller perspective and emotional resonance. In addition, we will include interviews with mental health experts, housing experts, and policymakers to add depth and suggest solutions. We will also develop interactive elements such as resource websites and support networks to facilitate ongoing support and interaction. Through these platforms, audiences can access more information and resources, and communicate and share experiences with others who have had similar experiences.
In our studio work, there are two excellent pieces that provide concrete insights into key ideas we explore.
The first is “Leftovers Landfill,” which explores the environmental impact of household food waste through Seth’s journey. The video uses skilled interview techniques, appropriate graphics, and well-aligned B-roll footage to make the content engaging and educational. Seth’s interactions with food producers, consumers, and waste disposal organizations during interviews reveal the different roles in the food waste cycle. Through the presentation of multiple angles, the audience is fully aware of the complexity of food waste and inspires them to take action.
The second is “REWILDING,” which explores the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean through the actions of free diver Narayana. Through interviews, archival footage, and underwater shots, the work showcases Narayana’s deep connection to the ocean and his responsibility to clean it up. The B-roll used in the video is very appealing, the underwater footage is impressive, and the plastic montage with tonal changes and different news clips leaves a strong impression. These shooting techniques provided us with new inspiration, particularly in effectively using visual effects and colour changes to enhance storytelling.
While engaging with other studio websites, I found that the completed media works convey several key ideas. For example, “10 Kilos Heavier” explores the negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health through the experiences of its main character, Indie. Indie describes her recovery from anorexia and reflects on the role social media played in it. This sharing of personal experiences allows viewers to feel the powerful influence of social media in shaping young people’s self-perceptions and behaviours. This first-person narration makes the work more compelling and persuasive.
Another noteworthy work is “Decadence,” which explores an artist’s questioning and reflection on her muse while suffering from a creative bottleneck. Through the artist’s paintings, the audience can intuitively feel her emotional fluctuations and psychological states. The work delves into the artistic creation process, revealing the artist’s struggle with perfection and moral dilemmas. The unique and thought-provoking photography provides us with new perspectives and inspiration.
In summary, by reflecting on these aspects and incorporating them into our work, we can enhance the impact and reach of our documentary. This project is not just a piece of work, but a journey documenting our collective efforts and struggles.