It's raining and the appointment I had canceled, otherwise I probably wouldn't be writing this right now. We only have three days left in Dharamsala, and therefore I am cramming to wrap up my filming.
Don't worry. I am glad to report that I am very close to having everything I need, and that I should be able to reasonably get all that I need over these next couple days. Maybe not everything I wanted to get... but I think that's a fairly impossible expectation when it comes to documentary film.
Lately however, things have been turning out surprisingly in the favor of my film. Just this week Tong Len's kids moved into their new hostel and I got to be there to film it. Also, the day before we are leaving, a couple I filmed when we first got here will be receiving their marriage certificate with help from my lawyer friend, and they have invited me to come along. And in addition to these things, I have been getting some really great answers in the interviews I've been conducting lately.
I go through weird cycles of being really excited for this film, then suddenly wanting to give up and then getting really excited again. Right now I am excited. I'm sure in editing I will get discouraged a few more times, but I promise I won't give up. I myself can't wait to see the finished film.
It's strange how emotions about a project can switch back and forth like that. What would be an example of when you're excited about it? And what makes you want to give up?
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of all your hard work for this film, I'm sure it will turn out swell! I know that there are a lot of late night edits yet to come, but you have plenty of footage to work with, so it's nice to feel like you're not going home empty handed. Good job!
-Julia
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ReplyDeleteMy project is the same way. Sometimes I feel like I'm failing and my research is going drastically wrong and I'm this close to emailing my professors and telling them that my project is falling apart and I desperately need their help. And then a day later something will pop up and magically make my project functional again. I think it's just the nature of research and creativity. We're so used to seeing successful people who have created famous films, books, and other works of art. But rarely do we see all the work that goes on behind the scenes. We assume that they just sat down and thought a bit, and then a few minutes later they had a perfect idea that they executed perfectly to create an amazing product. In reality, I think everyone hits a lot of problems and dead ends. The key is just to continue with what you're doing, and be flexible and positive.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your project will be successful. I hope you're having a public screening when you're done editing, I'd love to see your finished work.