Abstract

The reason to make a documentary film can be simply for fun. Or it is to bring social contribution, to debate on a topic, to be famous, or many other reasons. This is also the attractive point.

We can say that it took a few months to finish this film called “Water Cisterns.” On the other hand, we can also say that it took over two years. Or maybe it is not yet finished. Why is that? There are three major phases, which concern the process of making the film, from a simple topic of water, to show the lives of women in northwestern China, to propagate in getting a good broadcast time, and lastly, to gather greater strength, hoping this film will move administers, educators, and local people. But these three phases are only about the creation of the film. It does not cover following-up public screenings. For me, making this documentary matures me up.

If you want to convince a person, you should move the person’s heart. And to move someone, first you should move yourself. And before all of above, you should first get involved, experienced and understand it yourself. This is all I learn from making this movie.

Keywords: Water Cisterns, Ganshu, Documentary