Embarking on the Visual Anthropology Video Project...

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I begun the process of planning the video through developing an overarching story board to gauge the general direction of the video and drew from the theoretical approaches discussed over the duration of the course. The structure of the observational film is devised in order to present three separate experiences and one common journey, each student has experienced varying events and changes; however, this has occurred in the same environment, University. Developed from the foundation of camera work that was covered in the first couple of weeks, filming began.

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The approach of the filming was conducted in the framework of MacDougall’s participatory film work, to partake in a respectful manner through conversation, as well as including myself in the recordings. Aimed to capture hidden meanings and ambiguity using visual metaphors, as directive ques for the viewer. For example, during an interview with one of the subjects, the painting of a colourful painting is mentioned, which throughout the duration of filming, the conversation unfolded and the painting was revealed to have been an integral element in progress; this was shown through the filming of the subject initially in front of the frame of a painting, and then by focusing of the subjects face, where a colourful collage becomes more prominent. This visual story line is carried through with the increased usage of colour.

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The interests of documentary film makers, development, medical and visual anthropologists are converging rapidly in, for example, the use of video to encourage positive development outcomes through participatory video and health promotion broadcasts. Based on this movement, the purpose of the video is encouraging a constructive outcome showing the bravery and vulnerability in people sharing their experiences and encouraging others to learn from their modes of motivation and feel comfortable to share similarly. Footage of people sharing their stories may influence another’s view on those experiences.

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The goal of the video is to present an account of some of the experiences and difficulties students experience during their time at University. This was presented through three students, where they were asked what University meant to them, some of the best and worst experiences they have had, and what would they share with someone in a similar position.

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From early on I knew I wanted to film predominantly in wide angle close ups. I wanted to capture small details in the facial expressions of the subjects speaking and create moments of pause and thought by focusing on the details of small objects.

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The start of filming began with excitement and trepidation for capturing the scenes that had been imagined. Once the camera had been set up, we waited, for people passing by to gaze our way with curiosity, or for the right frame to appear. Suddenly, it all happened; a friend happened to pass us, paused with interest, and moments later filming started.

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The drive behind filming people's experiences, is my own. The journey to University has been a long and at times difficult one. But I have found that through sharing my experiences, good and bad, a community of togetherness is borne. The experiences we have in isolation, shared, can become stories we experience together. I have found that through this, we find our humanity.

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On the last day of filming, it was bittersweet. I had begun to find the process of intention for filming, setting up the equipment, setting the scene and capturing the footage as normalcy. I thoroughly enjoyed filming every shot and getting to hear the stories of friends and strangers, and to take a moment to pause, and be grateful and proud of the story that had been filmed.

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