Overall reflection of the first semester

A mirror outside APA

 Joining HKAPA as a film student was a decision that I made after a long period of contemplation. There were various reasons that compelled me to enroll in this institution, but the most significant one was my desire to attain a Bachelor's degree and pursue my post-graduate studies. It has been a dream of mine to further my education in film and to develop my skills in this field.

Another reason that drove me to join HKAPA was my ambition to become a director. Before enrolling, I had already made several short films, and while some received praise, others received professional critiques. These critiques made me realise that I still have a long way to go in terms of developing my skills as a filmmaker. I knew that joining HKAPA would help me improve my skills, and I was excited about the prospect of learning from experienced and talented individuals in the film industry.

Lastly, I took a break from working as a commercial director in the advertising industry to pursue my dream of becoming a filmmaker. I believe that it's now or never to chase my dream and to do what I love. I am grateful for the opportunity to study in HKAPA and to be surrounded by people who share the same passion for filmmaking as I do.

To review the first semester in HKAPA, I think it has been a transformative experience for me. It has been challenging, but at the same time, it has been rewarding. I have been exposed to various aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, cinematography, and directing, which have broadened my perspective on the art of filmmaking. I have also had the opportunity to work on group projects with my classmates, which have allowed me to learn from their diverse experiences and perspectives. While there is still much to learn, I am confident that I am on the right path to achieving my goals and fulfilling my dreams in the film industry.

One of the challenges I faced during my first semester at HKAPA was the fact that the courses were at a beginner level. As someone who had already made several short films and received professional critiques, I felt like I was beyond this level. However, I quickly realised that this was an opportunity for me to adjust my mindset and approach the course with a fresh perspective. Instead of feeling frustrated or bored, I reminded myself that there is always something new to learn in the film industry, no matter how basic it may seem. By starting from the basics, I was able to establish a stronger foundation in areas that I may have overlooked before. 

Additionally, I took this opportunity to challenge myself by learning new skills that I may not have been familiar with before, such as operating cameras and post-production techniques. This allowed me to expand my knowledge and become more well-rounded in various aspects of filmmaking, which will ultimately make me a better filmmaker in the long run.

During the beginning of my first semester at HKAPA, I had a concern about the age difference with my classmates, as well as a possible generation and communication gap. I was worried that my younger classmates would not like my ideas or that I would be impatient with their skills and ideas. However, as the semester progressed, I found that this worry was unnecessary. I discovered that there were also some students that come from experienced background in the program, and we worked together and exchange ideas in assignment. This is actually basic on my lack of confidents personality. 

After all, I realised that I could provide patience and guidance to the younger students and learn from them at the same time. In fact, some of my classmates excelled in film theory studies and understood classic cinema better than me. On the other hand, I have better technique skills that I can share with them. Our diverse skill sets created a better learning environment where we could complement each other and grow together as filmmakers. As a result, I realised that age and experience are not barriers to learning and that everyone can contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the film industry.

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a film student in my first semester at HKAPA was balancing my studies with my work responsibilities. As an independent student who funds my own studies and living expenses, I knew I had to be hardworking and diligent in managing my time effectively. I realised early on that I needed to plan ahead and be proactive about prioritising my tasks and responsibilities to avoid getting overwhelmed. This meant creating a schedule and sticking to it, setting achievable goals, and making the most out of every minute of my day.

I also had to learn how to exchange my time for entertainment and social activities with time for studying and assignments. This was not an easy task, as I often found myself feeling tired and drained after a long day at work. However, I knew that I had to persevere and stay committed to my goals if I wanted to succeed in both my work and studies. Therefore, I made a conscious effort to maintain a balance between work and study, ensuring that I dedicated enough time to each activity without neglecting either one.

Furthermore, I looked for ways to supplement my income so that I could support my studies and living expenses. This included taking on freelancing gigs that allowed me to earn additional income while still being able to focus on my studies. By being proactive and disciplined, I hope I was able to successfully balance my work and study responsibilities, and complete my assignments and exams on time without feeling overwhelmed.

In summary, my time at HKAPA as a film student has presented me with both challenges and rewards. Prior to joining this institution, I had certain expectations and doubts regarding my ability to excel in this academic environment. However, upon reflecting on my first semester, I realise that most of my concerns were unfounded and merely a reflection of my personal traits. Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing these challenges has proved to be a beneficial experience that has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I have developed a newfound appreciation for learning, overcome communication barriers with my peers, and found a balance between work and studies. Moving forward, I am excited to tackle more challenges and seize new opportunities for growth.