2018 Mehedi Shahnewaz Jalil, Sharmin Sultana 17

© International Academic Research Journal of Business and Management Vol. no.7, issue no 2, June 2018, Page No. 17-24 ISSN No: 2227-1287 (Print) Documentary Films to Digitalize Engineering Marvels of : A Case Study on the Prospects of Current and Future Development Projects

Mehedi Shahnewaz Jalil Sharmin Sultana Assistant Controller of News (BCS), Lecturer, Bangladesh Betar – Ministry of Information, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Government of Bangladesh Department of Business Administration, Independent Researcher on Social Science Southern University Bangladesh E-mail: [email protected] Corresponding Author’s E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Films are an expression of histories of human, nature, society and culture. Films depict the ways human interact, behave with others, express their utmost feelings and uphold their very way of existence for a frame of time. A film can very well represent the time and situation of an era, a decade or even a century. Documentaries are very special type of films that are informational and formal in nature and different from the mainstream films. They’re structured and provide its viewers a specific knowledge. This article goes in depth of the documentary films in particular and searches the very difference that makes it unique among the other categories of films. Then it focuses on some of the documentaries made in Bangladesh. After that it goes on providing with prospects and suggestions to film documentaries in major locations, structures, monuments and other engineering marvels that Bangladesh boasts upon. The article gives an idea that some of the engineering projects on which documentary films could be made; that those are already built, those that are under construction and those that will be built in the future. In a target to achieve the vision of a digital Bangladesh; branding of Bangladesh can be done through these documentary films to the foreign investors, tourists, law and decision makers and state leaders alike.

Keywords: Digitalization, Documentary films, Engineering, Bangladesh

On the Internet, amateur and professional INTRODUCTION movies proliferate, dealing with new topics and pushing the boundaries of the form as In the recent years, the never before. (Hoenisch & Sappino, 2010, progressive diffusion of affordable P.2) While the topic attracts a lot of technology, along with a frustration with interest from media community, many find traditional media, the pressure of an this form of communication as confusing audience eager for information and and sometimes overreacting. political discussion, and the works of Nevertheless, the famous documentary outstanding (and often controversial) films as such Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), O.J. filmmakers such as Errol Morris or Made in America (2016) caught global Michael Moore, have led documentary film attention and won prestigious awards. In to go mainstream. As Bill Nichols Bangladesh documentary films deniag suggests, it is sufficient to consider the popularities from the era of liberation war, movies that have been awarded an Oscar portraying of Bangladeshi lifestyles, from the mid-eighties on to realize to what popular societal topics and subcultures, extent documentary has risen as a societal problems and challenges etc. In compelling form, and how much interest it global perspectives, documentary films has aroused in both scholars and the sometimes focuses on engineering general public. (Nichols B., 2010, P. 12) perspectives; such as shows like: Big

18 International Academic Research Journal of Business and Management June Bigger Biggest (2008 - 2011), Modern ‘seen is believing’; for someone from Marvels (1993 - 2015), Megastructures outside if they could see the project (2004 - Present), Extreme Engineering unfolding piece by piece, they would truly (2003 - 2011) Bangladesh lacks get an idea of the intensity of the project. significantly towards it as few major Currently many megaprojects are taking documentary films have recorded place and in future more to come. As regarding engineering triumphs. Some Government of Bangladesh aims to documentaries are made regarding a present the country towards the specific place; but engineering it stays foreigners, tourists, investors, state behind. As Bangladesh advances, the leaders; documentation of these works in country needs to be in the eyes of the visual format is all too necessary. globe; as well as to meet global standards of achieving Sustainable Development Documentary Films are commonly Goals, Bangladesh must showcase its known as “Pramanno Cholochitro” in engineering, current works that Bangla. Since the liberation war, a number undergoing in various projects and future of documentaries are produced keeping in potential megaprojects that have been head about the social stigma, national passed by the government. This study crisis or lifestyle showcase. The works tries to identify those opportunities where like: Stop Genocide (1971), Muktir Gaan documentary films can be produced that (1995), Muktir Kotha (1999), In 2016 will heighten Bangladesh’s engineering Jahedur Rahman Arman wrote a capacities and suggest a way of various publication on Documentary films in brief. parties to work towards it to make it Also in 2016 a publication regarding the happen. language of documentary films had been published by Bangladesh Film Archives RATIONALE, LITERATURE & AREA OF Journal. One focused on a broad array of INTEREST all the items related to documentaries, and the other focused on a specification. Bangladesh is a developing country that is going to be a middle This study also focuses on a income country within 2021 with focusing specific topic by putting the engineering on development work as it’s first and projects under the umbrella of foremost priority. The development works documentary world. However, unlike that revolutionized the engineering previous studies, this study focuses on projects, such as; building flyovers in current and future development projects to , Chittgaong; first of its kind; be documented and used to show to the building monuments, memorials that are foreigners for development and from the past such as; Parliament commitment of Bangladesh towards being Building, Savar Memorial, Shahid Minar an economic giant. To do so, it focused on are true symbol of nationality of suggestions, recommendations as well as Bangladesh. The works of these are heard action plans to fulfill the requiem of the from mouth to mouth, but filming of these study. never took place. Today it can be seen that the Savar Memorial is standing there METHODOLOGY amidst the green surroundings, but the blood and toils that are underneath the Basically secondary sources of soil remain hidden from the eyes. It can be data from different articles, reports and felt in the heart for a Bangladeshi, but as websites are used. Some primary data are

2018 Mehedi Shahnewaz Jalil, Sharmin Sultana 19 used from interview with different officials and motors, food and travel, Performance involved in films and media. & performers, Drama-doc & docu-drama and Art & anarchy (Lee-Wright, 2010, P. OBJECTIVE 9-128 & 217-295)

Main objective of this study is to FORMAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN analyze the history of production of DOCUMENTARY AND FICTIONAL FILM documentary films on major engineering projects in Bangladesh, identifying the There are differential effects ways of orchestrating ongoing and future between documentary and dramatic engineering marvels and an action plan to fictional reenactment film. It is necessary document those. to review existing literature regarding known differences between these two DOCUMENTARY FILMS media messages. Within the documentary and fictional film literature, there are The documentary is the branch of established differences of visual and film production which goes to the actual, auditory features (Eitzen, 1995; P. 94-99). and photographs it and edits it and shapes For example, common features of film it. It attempts to give form and pattern to include close shots, rapid pace of editing, the complex of direct observation. a frequent moving camera, studio-created According to Grierson, the roots of sounds, and dramatic music, whereas documentary are in what can be called common features of documentaries are “reality”. However, actuality is submitted to the opposite—long shots, slow pace of the creativity of the filmmaker, who editing, immobile or seldom traveling manipulates it through more or less cameras, location sounds, and deliberate processes of selection and background noises (Pouliot & Cowen, association, in order to go beyond the 2007, P. 241-259). To date, much of the boundaries of direct observation, and to research regarding such differences relies give it a precise, often politically-oriented heavily on the premise that documentaries meaning. (John Grierson, 1946, P. 159- and fictional dramatic films adhere to 162) these format differences, and pay little attention to the growing hybrids between In his ‘The Documentary documentaries and dramatic films. Newer Handbook’, Peter Lee-Wright divides evidence suggests that these formal documentaries based o several criteria. In features are only tendencies and are not his first part he mentioned: Talk to the hard and fast distinctions. Renov (1993a) camera, on which he mentioned 4 types: argues that documentaries can contain Reportage, Exposé: investigations, fictive elements such as musical undercover & the so-jo, from lectures to accompaniment, narration, close shots, landmarks: history & ideas and Vox telephoto or wide-angle lenses that distort populi: the voice of the people. In his space, or high or low camera angles. In second part he says about Observing the fact, Renov (1993a, p. 3) suggested that people, on which he talked about Real life, the two domains ‘inhabit’ one another and Docu-soap and mocu-soap and Extreme that narrative is the fundamental condition television: flashing lights and freak shows. that binds the two film types. Simply put, In his final part: Entertainment for all, he storytelling is the essential element of both tells about Formats and reality TV, genres. Nevertheless, documentaries are Lifestyle: house and garden, makeover based in nonfiction and films are based in

20 International Academic Research Journal of Business and Management June fiction, and the fundamental tendencies of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh documentaries (i.e., to record, reveal, or Television also play significant role. From preserve; to persuade or promote; to the private sectors various agencies and analyze; to express) are not as present or companies make documentaries. Some dominant in fictional films (Renov, 1993b). government, state-run organizations and It would be hard to argue that the main ministries also make documentaries on focus of a fictional film is ‘pleasurable their own. learning,’ as is the case with many documentaries (Renov, 1993b, p. 35). EXISTING MONUMENTS ON WHICH DOCUMENTARIES CAN BE MADE ENGINEERING DOCUMENTARIES In Bangladesh places of national Engineering documentaries, like all interest such as: Shahid Minar, Savar documentaries, are generally aimed at a Monument, National Parliament Building, broad audience. For this reason, in-depth Secretariat, tourist places, technical detail content can be somewhat , Tourist places across the limited but that usually doesn’t detract country by nature can be documented for from the watch-ability of them. Some of their works of engineering. A 15th century the popular engineering documentaries structure can be analyzed and presented have been mentioned in the study. In visualized so it can be documentation for addition, these are some of the popular the authority to use later. The engineering documentaries from around Bangabandhu bridge everyday the globe: maintenance work can be a topic of a documentary. Some of the documentary films presented here is finished and some still ENGINEERING PROJECTS UNDER continues. These documentaries show CONSTRUCTION how engineering of different industries can easily be understood. Documenting these The construction of Padma Bridge helps understand the process as well as is the most potential documentary project visual documentation helps reduce time in Bangladesh right now. The work is still for decision making. fresh and some parts can be documented from the riverside as well as the CONCERNED AUTHORITIES FOR construction inland. The hatirjheel project PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTARIES is still going that means it also can be documented. The flyover and bridge In Bangladesh primarily, Ministry of construction projects across the country Information from the government is are also a possibility that can be put into entitled to document the country’s documentary films. Metrorail project also important resources. Under the ministry holds a tremendous possibility of making however different institutions work documentaries so is Installations of independently to achieve the goal, e.g.: murals, artifacts construction works. Bangladesh Film Archives, Press Information Department, Bangladesh Film ENGINEERING PROJECTS OF THE & Television Institute, National Institute of FUTURE Mass Communication, Bangladesh Film Development Corporation, Department of Karnaphully Tunnel, Matarbari Films and Publications and sometimes Coal Power Plant, Rampal Coal Power Plan of Bagerhat, Nuclear Power Plant of

2018 Mehedi Shahnewaz Jalil, Sharmin Sultana 21 Ruppur, Pabna; all of these future projects For international projects can be documented. It requires planning documentary making budget can be from the beginning so that the time included in the fund allocation process so needed for preparation can be done in that the project is approved first-hand from advanced and budget can be allocated to the concerned funding agency. For each of these projects for successful national projects documentary budget showcasing of the project. should be included on a scale as long as the project continues DOCUMENTING TECHNIQUES The documentary can be shown Taking video shots before the partially or fully after completion. If the project begins. Taking video shots when documentary is partially shown then the work starts. Taking interview of local / messages on the documentary should be foreign nationals working with the project the challenges the project is undergoing (if possible, Project Director would be and sheer believe of the engineers and preferable) Overhead video shots from optimism that the project can succeed. In helicopter; running shots on a back or that case main concentration should be on front of a vehicle. Use of animation and graphical representation rather than on graphics to better understand the process other aspects. After completion the documentary should be produced and Scientific experiments to make shown publicly. Then it can be stored in clear the viewers of the scientific Bangladesh Film Archives for archiving justification of the project. Involving purpose people; taking positive interviews from the local people and beneficiaries. Inclusion of If any private agency wants to narration voice from the main narrator as document the project work, then they can well as for the translator (if needed) be approved via information secretary and project director before getting the Documentary script can be permission to film. The concerned conversational or formal, it depends on authority and concerned agency should sit the context but emphasis should be on together to find out what part of the project understandability to the viewers. that will be filmed. In this regard it is better Reenactment of national vision and that a mutual respect of ideas are governmental commitment towards the appreciated project Professionalism should be SUGGESTIONS AND ACTION PLAN maintained in all parts; the documentary will focus on national agenda but not Coordination of Project of the solely on political Educational institutions concerned ministry and information can engage in producing documentaries ministry. Coordination on ministry and and competition can be arranged in actual field office. Initiative can be a regular intervals from the government to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on which encourage and create proficient media expertise and professionalism towards the personnel. International documentary work would be favorable. In case of PPP producing agencies can be assigned if initiative for preparation of a documentary they’re willing to produce documentaries both parties must make plans and act as well as if government wishes them to upon a common interest that is solely for make the national commitment

22 International Academic Research Journal of Business and Management June EXPECTED OUTCOME / RESULTS that all the positive predictions that are been done: is TRUE! Foreigners, especially investors have a negative idea of engineering as REFERENCE various needs of industrial goods are difficult to grab. If they watch the Bill Nichols (2010); Introduction to documentaries, they would have a positive Documentary, Bloomington: idea about the investment environment in Indiana University Press, pp. 2 Bangladesh and would be happy to cooperate. So the primary beneficiary will Bill Nichols (2010); foreword to Barry Keith be the country because foreign nationals Grant and Jeannette Sloniowski, would be motivated to invest their money Documenting the Documentary, in Bangladesh. Bangladesh can also be a cit., 12 destination for foreign worker to come and Dirk Eitzen (1995); When Is a work here as they would have an idea that Documentary: Documentary as a Bangladesh is going into a world standard Mode of Reception, Cinema work-giver. From line level worker to Journal, Vol. 35, No. 1 University executive and manager level each of Texas Press: Society for segment of human resources will be Cinema & Media Studies, pp. 81- willing to work in Bangladesh. Tourists 102 sometimes have confusion regarding the country. With positive documentaries Hoenisch & Sappino, 2010, P.2, What is a about engineering they will be motivated Documentary Film: A Discussion of to see the capacity of Bangladeshi people Genre, Intensive Program – and would like to come to Bangladesh. Coming Together or Coming Finally state leaders, seeing the Apart? Europe and the United development of industries will be willing to States in the Sixties, Intensive visit Bangladesh more and engage in Seminar in Berlin, September 12- bipartite or tripartite trade relationships. 24, 2011 Most importantly Bangladesh’s reputation and recognition as a country towards the Jahedur Rahman Arman (2016); globe will vastly increase. Bangladesher Pramanno Cholochitro: Udvob, Bikash o CONCLUSION Samprotik Probonota, Bangladesh Film Archives Journal, 2016 Bangladesh is improving; whole nation is transforming itself with the John Grierson (1946); Postwar Patterns, digitalization. The more people Hollywood Quarterly, vol. 1, no. 2 understand and use means of digital (January 1946): pp. 160 technology more people will be concerned about information which is the pinnacle of Peter Lee-Wright (2010); Talk to the modern world. As the Rights to camera, Observing the people, Information Act 2009 already in effect and Entertainment for all, The Sustainable Development Goal requires Documentary Handbook, ISBN 0- freedom of speech as one of its agendas, 203-86719-X Master e-book ISBN; Bangladesh faces an obligation in by Routledge 2 Park Square, producing the documentaries on its major Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 projects and assure the rest of the world 4RN, pp. 9-128 & 217-295

2018 Mehedi Shahnewaz Jalil, Sharmin Sultana 23 Pouliot & Cowen (2007); Does perceived realism really matter in media effects? Media Psychology, 9, P. 241-259

Renov, M. (1993ab). Introduction: The truth about non-fiction, Theorizing documentary, New York: Routledge, pp. 1-36

DOCUMENTARY FILMS MENTIONED IN THE STUDY

Ezra Edelman; O.J. Made in America (2016), United States of America

Michael Moore; Fahrenheit 911 (2004), United States of America

Tareque Masud & Catherine Masud; Muktir Gaan (1995), Bangladesh

Tareque Masud & Catherine Masud;

Muktir Kotha (1999), Bangladesh

Zahir Raihan; Stop Genocide (1971), Bangladesh

24 International Academic Research Journal of Business and Management June Table: 7.1Name of Documentaries

Country Name of Production of Detailed Content Documentary Year Origin This documentary series focuses on extreme construction projects -- Megastructures USA 2004-Present be they the biggest, tallest, longest or deepest in the world -- and the machines used to create extraordinary structures Celebrating ingenuity, invention and imagination on a grand scale, it Modern tells the amazing stories of the doers, dreamers and sometime- USA 1993 – 2015 Marvels schemers who create everyday items, technological advancements and man-made wonders Big Bigger Engineering breakthroughs that have made it possible to develop UK 2008 – 2011 Biggest modern structures. Focuses on historical time-to-time development Using graphic archive footage of the world's major civil disasters in To Engineer is To Engineer is Human, Horizon illustrates some of the great UK 1987 Human engineering failures of history and explains how there are a multitude of ways in which structures great and small may fail Rome, Egypt and Greece are some of the topics covered in this series that explores architectural and engineering feats that were Engineering an USA 2005 – 2007 characteristic of some of history's greatest societies. Computer Empire renderings help illustrate the methods used in building such structures as the Parthenon Explores extraordinary feats of modern-day engineering and introduces pioneers whose techniques changed the world. Each episode traces the details behind some of the most technically advanced structures, from record-breaking buildings to colossal Impossible 2015 – USA ships, as well as the latest models of planes and trains. The Engineering Present mechanics and designs are explained using 3-D graphics, archived sources and specially shot footage. The show celebrates engineers throughout history for their technical breakthroughs that made it possible to create the constructions that exist today Viewers get the key to enter some of the world's greatest one-of-a- Mega-factories kind factories for an insider's perspective on what it takes to produce / Ultimate USA 2006 – 2013 brand-name wonders such as Ferrari, BMW, Harley-Davidson, John Factories Deere and the M1 tank A look behind the scenes at how everyday things are manufactured. Typically each episode includes three to four products featured, with 2001 – How It’s Made USA a mix consisting of common items such as jeans, aluminum foil and Present cereal, and less predictable ones like wax figurines, Braille typewriters and pinball machines Seven Wonders of the Industrial UK 2003 Re-creation of the epic moments from the Industrial Revolution World Extreme Engineering features a major construction and engineering project. Some projects are completed ones, like the new Hong Kong airport. Other projects are those under construction like the Gotthard Extreme 2003 – USA Base Tunnel under the Alps. Still other episodes showcase futuristic Engineering Present projects that may never be built, like the Transatlantic Tunnel. Most episodes examine possible disaster scenarios that could threaten the projects. Meeting the people who designed amazing engineering projects and Abandoned 2016 – UK those that help revive them. Recreating the engineering marvels from Engineering Present the past.