As part of the First Shot(s) X-Change program, five students from the School of Technology for the Arts, Media and Design (STA), Republic Polytechnic (RP) collaborated with students from Rangsit University (Thailand), University of the Philippines Diliman (Philippines), and Suzhou University of Science and Technology (China) to create five innovative films. This exchange not only blended their diverse talents but also allowed them to explore different storytelling and creative techniques, reinforcing the power of cross-cultural collaboration.
The Origins of First Shot(s) X-Change
First Shot(s) began as a student-run film festival, founded by RP lecturer Tzang Merwyn Tong. Over time, it has evolved into a more interdisciplinary, cross-cultural exchange program. First Shot(s) X-Change was developed to foster collaboration between students from different countries and creative backgrounds, pushing them to step out of their comfort zones and develop innovative solutions.
Tong’s vision emphasises interdisciplinary learning, encouraging participants to work with peers from various fields. In 2022, with support from RP’s Office of International Relations (OIR), Tong partnered with universities in Thailand, the Philippines, and China to create a program where students could co-create, experiment, and grow, regardless of their academic disciplines.
Overcoming Challenges with Creative Solutions
This year’s theme, “Going Interdimensional,” challenged students to explore new dimensions of storytelling. Throughout the 10-day virtual exchange, 16 students worked together in mixed teams, navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and technological limitations.
One of the program’s standouts was when students overcame language challenges by using music, drawings, and translation software to communicate effectively. Despite working across borders, the students formed deep friendships, professional bonds, and discovered ways to express their creativity.
A notable project was Phikul Thong, a no-dialogue animated film inspired by Thai folklore. This project showcased the ability of students from different disciplines—animation, user experience design, theater, and film—to work together and bring stories to life, without needing to rely on words.
Cultural and Creative Synergy
First Shot(s) X-Change exemplifies the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration, with students from various creative fields coming together. For example, RP students Tiara Alyssa (Arts and Theatre Management) and Hazwani Musrin (Design for User Experience) brought their expertise into the filmmaking process, offering new perspectives and adding depth to the projects. Students from Rangsit University, University of the Philippines Diliman, and Suzhou University of Science and Technology also contributed their knowledge in animation, illustration, and filmmaking.
Professor Wu Xiao Mian from Suzhou University of Science and Technology praised the program for allowing Chinese students to express themselves creatively in ways they had not experienced before, noting the impact of this collaborative effort on students’ growth.
The Power of Interdisciplinary Learning
First Shot(s) X-Change’s success is rooted in its interdisciplinary approach. By blending students from different academic and creative backgrounds, the program challenges participants to step outside their areas of expertise and collaborate in new ways. This method not only enhances their creative thinking but also equips them with problem-solving skills that are essential in today’s fast-evolving creative industries.
For example, the interdisciplinary collaboration between theater students and animation students, content creators, and filmmakers allowed each participant to learn new techniques and approaches, making the final projects a true blend of their collective skills and visions.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
First Shot(s) X-Change is just beginning its journey. With its focus on creative growth and international collaboration, the program is set to inspire and challenge more students in the coming years. The next iteration will continue to foster interdisciplinary learning and cross-cultural collaboration, paving the way for the next generation of filmmakers and creative professionals.
“It’s not about the final product,” Tong explains. “It’s about the journey of learning, experimenting, and building meaningful connections across cultures and disciplines.”
As First Shot(s) X-Change continues to grow, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the participants, giving them not just creative experience but also a global network of collaborators and friends.
Catch the premiere of the five First Shot(s) X-Change films from 28 October 2024 on YouTube!
