Reflection on social problems through storytelling in the CHANG PUEK AWARDS student short film 2012-2021

Abstract

        The study of “Reflection on social problems through storytelling in the CHANG PUEK AWARDS student short film 2012-2021” aimed to analyze the reflection on social problems, creative-pitching technique, story telling strategy of student short film rewarded in CHANG PUEK AWARD 2012-2021. Qualitative Research in Textual Analysis was the methodology. Selections of social problems, creative-pitching technique, story-telling strategy of student short film were analyzed by related theories in social-problem refection frameworks that are social problem, political problem, economic problem. Creative-pitching technique, story-telling strategy was consisted in data analyzing process to gain the fact. 11 short films rewarded in CHANG PUEK AWARD 2012-2021 were chosen to study.

        The result showed that these 11 selected short films reflected Thai social problems in three aspects which are 1. Social problems of divorce, drugs, family problems, sexual harassment, egocentrism, and irresponsibility 2. Political issues in absence and the restriction of right 3. Economics problem relating to poverty. Story-telling strategy of all selected films was in classic Hollywood style which was narrated in chronological order. Act 1 was Set Up, Act 2 was confrontation, and Act 3 was resolution with ambiguous ending. There was only one main protagonist in each film and the main theme was to criticize society. Confliction in protagonist’s mind was expressed. Main characters had both flat and round characters. Filming in the real location, symbolic picture represented main character’s need were shown in all films. Satisfying the need was the desire of protagonist who mostly affected by the background of the story.

        As for creative-pitching technique, the producers of each film used the Long Short, Medium Shot, and Close-Up with objective camera angle and eye-level angle mainly. The moving of camera was panning. Diffused light was applied more than specular light. Light setting in low and high key were implemented in indifferent level. Warm tone and cold tone of colors were also displayed in the film with indifferent amount. Dialogue sound was also applied in all selected films including sound effect for realism. Instrumental music was also played in scene and ending.  Lastly, the montage in most of the film was insert, cut, and fade.