By Tianlei (Ruby) Qiu, Class of 2024
Traveling while encapsulating the tapestry of nature’s wonders and human civilization along the Meikong River, Prof. Kaley Clements, Assistant Professor of Documentary Arts at DKU, and one of the leads of the China Stories & Images Cluster, has been tracing the river’s course from the mountains of China, through the enchanting landscapes of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and eventually the vibrant heart of Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta. Aiming at documenting the social and environmental conflict and climate change issues regarding the natural resources the river provides and human intervention, his research project incorporates natural scenes documented in different countries along the river and interviews engaging with local citizens and construction workers to provide a holistic context of the river’s current situation. We had the privilege to have a quick call with Prof. Clements, who was previously based in Cambodia in summer conducting his research, to learn his progress, his experience traveling and working in Southeast Asia, and his ethics regarding documentary arts.
Q: Hi Dr. Clements, thanks for talking with us. We’ve learned that your current research is about the Meikong River, which focuses on the convergence of social conflict, climate change, and the loss of diversification within the globalizing economy. Could you give us some context regarding the Meikong River? Could you also elaborate on the key themes and questions you explore within this context?
A: Sure. The Mekong River flows through several countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam. The river originates in Qinghai, Tibet, and Yunnan, China, and passes through Myanmar before reaching Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Along its course, it forms natural borders between countries, such as between Thailand and Laos. The river is crucial for the livelihoods of people in the region, supporting agriculture through advanced rice irrigation. The river’s ecosystem is dynamic, with fluctuations in water levels and sediment deposition. Environmental factors, such as dams, impact the river’s ecosystem. The dry season brings changes in water direction, affecting flooded plants.
A: My main focus is on observing the development of the Mekong River, starting in Qinghai, China. The journey encompasses the basin, delta regions (mainly in Vietnam and Cambodia), and a rocky river section. Last summer in Qinghai, there was an observation of the river, indicating that it has now increased its water level by 20 meters. The river winds its way downstream, collecting more water along its course. This influx of water brings with it sediments that contribute to the river’s ecosystem. The development along the Mekong River, particularly in China, is causing changes in the environment, impacting plant and animal life. The economic focus, such as coffee farming, is leading to significant transformations in the region, with potential environmental consequences. These potential social conflicts and environmental issues are the topics that I explored through my research.
Q: That’s very insightful! You mentioned those potential social conflicts and environmental issues, are there any particular considerations or challenges you’ve encountered?
A: I spent 2 weeks in Qinghai. The place now is developed, as 15 years ago it probably would take a month to get to the region. The Meikong river delta is dependent on sand coming downstream, particularly from the Mekong River. Changes in this flow could have significant consequences. Overtime, filtration, fish farms, and agriculture in the Vietnam-Mekong Delta all have a huge environmental impact on the changes in the flow of the river. Nowadays, Chinese investment and foreign capital are influential factors in land development, shaping the economic landscape in the region. Besides that, there are also other ironic security issues related to the environmental consequences of development. Sovereignty issues, for example a lack of clear agreements regarding development and future plans, are another concern within the region. As a foreigner, it was somehow difficult to record the things there. I remember I was yelled at by someone in charge of construction. There were challenges in recording information, possibly due to restrictions, local opposition, or difficulties in navigating the environment. Local frustrations or resistance is also an issue.
Q: Thanks for sharing! We have a final question. What role do you see for documentary arts in raising awareness and promoting positive change in society, especially regarding issues like climate change and environmental conservation? Are there any particular ethical considerations when documenting sensitive topics related to social conflict and environmental issues?
A: Thanks for asking. One thing I want to firstly highlight is that documentary arts can take various forms, including singing, songwriting, films, and exhibitions. Diverse mediums allow for creative expression and cater to different audience preferences. I believe documentary arts should strive to treat all subjects as “fair game” by ensuring fairness, accuracy, and impartiality in storytelling. We also need to consider the audience when creating documentary content to engage them in a way that encourages empathy, understanding, and action and create content that resonates with diverse audiences. My personal experience also tells me that documentary creators should approach interviews with respect and sensitivity to ensure that individuals feel comfortable sharing their stories. My instances of being yelled at highlight the challenges and potential resistance when dealing with sensitive topics. We need to emphasize the need to approach subjects with care and empathy. Thematic concerns, such as those related to social conflict and environmental issues, require a nuanced and balanced portrayal to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or misleading narratives. When it comes to climate change and human impact in specific, I think documenting climate change’s impact on people’s lives helps humanize the issue, making it relatable to a broader audience. The goal should be to prevent negative consequences, and creating awareness can lead to positive actions for environmental conservation.
