Past Filmmakers

Shayla Freeman, Morgan Diamond,
Allison Money, Hannah Sink
Fighting Traditions 17:18

1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?

We went to Thailand on a documentary filmmaking study abroad semester. There were 13 students and we had to come up with four groups for four films. One of the filmmakers heard about the story of the first female monk in Thailand and thought that would be a great film. She pitched the idea and with the others' thoughts it launched into a story about women in Thailand: One member thinking of the Muay Thai boxer and another thinking of a story on prostitution. In the end, four women filmmakers set out to find out about women in Thailand and found three breakthrough characters that portrayed the status of women in Thailand as well as women's progression from the past to the future.

2. How long did the production process take?

We actually began filming in early February but the planning began middle to late January. The film was shot, edited, and ready to be viewed by April 8 so it was a rigorous process for about two and a half months but in the end we had a product we were all proud of.

3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the film?

The obstacles were numerous and diverse. The language barrier was one that we worked around pretty well by finding English speakers and learning minimal Thai but it was always interesting. There were transportation issues as we had no car nor did we know anything about how to get around in Bangkok and further parts of Thailand. There were technical issues and creative blocks. The issue of time in our few short months to produce a film weighed on us, as well. We had the issue of validity and being taken seriously as young, foreign filmmakers. On top of everything we were all relatively new at making this length of film and what it would take to accomplish it, but we met every challenge, worked with what we had, and accomplished one of the most memorable experiences for all of us.

4. What is your favorite memory from creating the film?

It is hard to have a favorite especially among four different people, but I'm pretty sure we will all remember climbing across 8 foot wrought-iron fences after midnight each day after spending hours in the editing room to escape from the vicious, foaming stray dogs.

5. When someone has finished watching the film, what do you hope they take away from the experience?

I think our main goal was to show you a scene of women's lives in Thailand and make your own assumption of whether it is good or bad. These women in particular are breaking the mold and creating new opportunities for the women there. So while the old traditions have been etched out as to what a Thai woman should be they do have other options and in the 21^st century and some women are taking up on them. At the least, we hoped our audience could enjoy a glimpse at a culture that is unique and one of a kind.

6.  What type of reaction has your film received from viewers?

I think most viewers find it interesting and different. Some are shocked at some of the issues going on there but see that people all over the world will continue to fight for the opportunity to be treated fairly no matter what their occupation or dream.

7. What advice would you give for aspiring young filmmakers?

We all still consider ourselves aspiring filmmakers who are new to the game, but take a chance and go for it. A film is only as good as what you put into in so just give it your best shot. Oh and for documentaries, have a camera, tape, and charged batteries at all times because you never know when you are staring at a situation that would make or break your film.

8. Please tell us about the next film you plan to work on.

Hannah just finished shooting another film in Thailand about the land rights after the tsunami and is now in the editing stages; Shayla is currently trying to get a job as a production assistant in the film industry; and Morgan and Allison are awaiting what their next class may bring.

9. What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?

I think the film industry in North Carolina has improved, but unfortunately filmmakers still feel that New York and LA is where they can thrive in their craft. North Carolina just does not get enough publicity to help bring bigger projects to the area. That is why it is so important to provide venues, such as Visions to encourage local filmmakers to show their work. For documentary filmmakers though, there are great resources like the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke and the Full Frame documentary film festival.  Our state should do more to promote the local talent and resources available to the film industry. I hope that through these venues the film industry will improve and we are excited to be a part of that.