Where do I go from here? Filmmaking for raising awareness: the plight of the Kuwaiti (Stateless) Bidoon

Alameir, H

Abstract

This practice-based Ph.D. research investigates how drama filmmaking can be used as a tool to raise awareness on social matters, specifically the plight of the Kuwaiti (stateless) Bidoon. The originally scripted and produced 60-minute drama film, Where Do I Go From Here? (‘WDIGFH?’) is the first Ph.D. 60-minute drama film showcasing the plight of this stateless minority within the academic realm. This study utilises both theoretical and practical aspects of filmmaking. The theoretical aspect is concerned with building a literature and film review analysis, to investigate the Bidoon’s dilemma and examine how film-techniques along with story design can be utilised to emotionally engage an audience. The practical aspect involves a qualitative ethnographic in-the-field visit to the Bidoon community in Sulabiya, Kuwait, to capture footage, observe, conduct interviews, and scout film locations to facilitate the practical outcome of this research. ‘WDIGFH?’ is original and visually unique, it combines Social Realism inspired by Ken Loach with animated sketches. Ken Loach’s Social Realism was utilised as the framework for creating ‘WDIGFH?’ which combines elements of a documentary and drama, filmed in real locations, using non-professional actors, and highlighting real social problems within society. Uniting audio and visual platforms, ‘WDIGFH?’ acts as a visual book/resource which informs viewers about the Bidoon’s plight in contemporary Kuwait. Merging animated sketches with live-action not only provided a solution to the challenges faced in the film’s production but also assisted in achieving a brand-new visual storyline and approach to Social Realism filmmaking. Strategically playing on the difference between Bidoon and Kuwaitis was the context of the unfolding narrative of ‘WDIGFH?’, a conscious approach used with the aim of stimulating viewers’ empathy forming a sympathetic response and raising awareness. This strategy proved to be successful and revealed features unique to the Kuwaiti context.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Acceptance Date: Mar 3, 2022
• Deposit Date: Apr 12, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 12, 2023
• Award Date: May 31, 2022