In the 21st century, audio-visual becomes one of the most important mediums in information widespread. Almost every person in this world (regardless their ages, races, or the social statuses) could access the audio-visual medium such as television program, film, or a youtube video with almost no obstacle. The content itself is varied, from fiction, documentary, news, to football live match.
Now the question is: what the youth can do with a camera?
2nd Unesco – Korea International DMZ Film Camp may answer that question! Organized by Korean National Commission for Unesco and DMZ Documentary Film Festival, it was held in Paju City, a city located near the border of North and South Korea (or known as DMZ line), the participants are the youth from Korea and from all around the world (such as Indonesia, France, Philippine, Mexico, Russia, and Montenegro) had the opportunity to learn an unique combination between film and the history of Korea, where the country was torn apart by civil war.
Day one in the film camp, we were surprised by the arrival of Korean actor, Yoo Ji-Tae (famous for his portrayal as the antagonist in Korean blockbuster film, Oldboy) who act (no pun intended) as deputy director DMZ Documentary Film Festival. Although a famous actor, he’s still down earthed person and always smiles when the fans asked him for a photo. A word class actor indeed!
Back to the camp, we attended seminars that focus on the history of Korea and basic training of filmmaking. The most interesting seminar was from Professor Francis Daehoon Lee, lecturer of Peace Studies from Sung Koo Hoe University where he shared his knowledge about peace. From his talk, we learned that ‘peace’ is not merely a word, but also a subject that can be understood and applied in your life.
In the second half of the camp, the participants were divided into 8 groups and we were challenged to make a short film based on 3 topics: Peace, Communication and Environment. And here’s the challenge began! Those topics not only became subjects for the film, but we felt it throughout the process! Culture shock and language barrier become challenging obstacle that we must faced, but with the same vision and guided by mentors whom are Korean filmmakers, we manage to passed through it!
The important point from this camp is that although many of the participants never made a film in their life, but their passion, spirit, and thirst of knowledge made filmmaking become a fun and fruitful process (even the mentors surprised with our films)! Almost 3 days we went almost without sleep in order to finish the film and the result turned out to be great! Eight films with varied stories, from a documentary film about Korean youth understanding of their own history, to a war film about the loneliness of a young soldier, putted a big proud smile to our faces! In the last in the camp, some of the participants eager to make their next film!
An idea might stuck in your head forever if you never share it with the anyone else. And if you want the world listen to your ideas, perhaps you should make a film! Like what we do in Korea!
Kamsahamnida!
(Contributor: Adhyatmika)
