Despair For Dummies

Q) How does your product challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups and issues?

The average life of a citizen is made up of so many strands intertwined with one another, that
it is useful occasionally to isolate one of them to examine it. We shall thus discover its
strength and its weaknesses, and ascertain what strain it is undergoing under the stress of
social forces operating on it, how it responds to that strain and what can be done to render it.
In reference to rural villagers.
In the ideal village all the ranks were graded, and each had its functions and purpose in life.
Every indiviual as long as he fitted himself into the scheme, had a voice which affected his
interests. The failure of any member to fulfill the duties expected of him resulted in
immediate ostracism in the society. Then, why is it that our government and constitution lives
on? The social group represented here is the middle class affected by these issues. Sectarian
violence in Pakistan has escalated, resulting in approximately 2,300 deaths in Pakistan’s four
main provinces from 2007 to 2013. When did we as a society become so narrow minded to
not allow another individual to simply be? The issue brought up here is of the growing
ostracism over mere differences.
The location used for the film is a mustard field which is a symbolic visual element that
conveys deeper meaning linked to rural life and cultural roots. Open, wide area conveys no
set boundaries. Sweeping away of overcrowded areas and widening of streets isolates the
characters from the constrains of the constructed blocks and walls of society. The mustard
field acts as a symbolic setting, conveying romance, freedom, and cultural nostalgia through
its bright colors and open space. Challenging the growing tradition of keeping women tied in
four walls, this product puts the women in an open, free space commanding freedom and a
voice in a male dominating society.
Another societal issue addressed is the restriction of freedom of speech. Talking about public
affairs is considered a taboo hence, producing and directing a film about hardships
experienced due to this and how it has ruined lives of multiple citizens adds to the
conventions being challenged. Not only the crew but the characters are also seen dealing
with such oppressions and surviving around them. Authority vs individual freedom is a major
problem addressed. The freedom given to us is not democratic but rather, autocratic. The
new generation deals with these more intensely due to increasing socio political issues and
availability of such affairs on social media. Our generation has higher awareness about these
topics. Although, no one addresses the elephant in the room due to stigmatization.
Unusual camera angles and shots included handheld movement of the camera in some shots.
The reason for this is giving the audience a different perspective and natural point of view.
The characters casted, challenge conventions by appearing as normal young adults living without stereotypes and not meeting the set standard of ‘main characters’. the male lead isn’t
exactly someone in power but rather, a vulnerable man facing problems. The audience can
relate to the characters and put themselves in their place through the experiences. There is
also strong use of culture and customs seen through language, setting and clothing of
characters.
Our product also shows childhood love leaning to a more innocent and naive approach to it.
Our product combines romance with other factors. The combination is meant to signify that
romance is just a small part of the picture. Neither of the two youngsters are overshadowing
each other but instead, deal with issues and find a deeper and higher purpose to life. They are
brought up together and decide to speak for what they find to be morally right. The audience
develops a sympathetic emotion for the two allowing them to deeply interpret the issues
highlighted and maybe, just maybe, understand how this conflict has shaken the roots and
bases of our system not just internally but also, ruined our representation caused by
misunderstandings.