This is why I wake up – My first documentary-style film
- Arshdeep Kaur
Share:
🎥 From “Videos” to “Films”: Why I Shifted My Storytelling Style
When I first started creating cinematic content on YouTube, I simply called them “videos.”
Yes, the process was still filmmaking — but the word “film” felt too big, too distant, too polished. I didn’t think of my work that way… yet.
But after 4–5 months of creating, filming, editing, uploading — something shifted.
I felt the urge to change how I told stories.
The way I was making videos started to feel limiting.
And it became clear: I don’t just want to make videos. I want to make films.
🎯 Searching for a New Format
So I sat with that feeling.
I spent 4–5 days thinking deeply about what kind of films I could make.
Should I try silent films?
Maybe a visual story?
Or perhaps, a documentary style?
That last one sparked something.
So I decided to explore it.
I watched a few documentaries on Netflix.
To study, to understand how stories are told in that format.
I observed how they use talking-head interviews, b-rolls, dramatic quotes, sound design, visual metaphors — to build something true and honest.
And I thought, “This isn’t that tough. I can do this too.”
🎬 My First Documentary-Style Film: This Is Why I Wake Up
That’s how my first documentary-style film was born:
This Is Why I Wake Up.
I feel so proud of the title I chose.
Isn’t it beautiful?
It speaks about what drives me every morning.
What makes life feel meaningful.
What gives purpose to my days.
In the film, I shared my journey so far —
How my lack of self-awareness once led me to choices I never really wanted…
And how cultivating awareness and following my curiosity brought me to things I now deeply cherish — even if they didn’t always work out “perfectly.”
đź’¬ The Response That Moved Me
Before posting, I felt excited… but also a little nervous.
Would people get it?
Would they connect with it the way I did while making it?
To my surprise — they did. More than I ever expected.
People left comments like:
“Keep on going, you have so much potential.”
“This video is a gem. Keep going.”
“You are on a beautiful journey of storytelling.”
“This is just so beautiful. Keep making these videos. I wish you all the good things and growth.”
Those words meant the world to me.
It reminded me that the world isn’t as cold or indifferent as we often think.
That random people can wish beautiful things for random people… simply because they felt something honest.
🚀 Why This Project Matters to Me
This project became more than just a new experiment.
It reminded me (and maybe, you too) that:
You don’t have to stick to one path forever.
When things start to feel stagnant, it’s okay to pivot.
Growth often comes not from mastery — but from experimentation.
You never know where one idea, one project, or one brave attempt might lead you.
Now, I’m more excited than ever to create documentary-style films
To tell stories about things I care about.
And to explore the topics I believe we all should be talking about.
Because the process of filmmaking isn’t just about what’s seen on screen.
It’s also about what’s unfolding behind it — in the creator’s mind, heart, and evolution.
Final Thought
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired in your creative journey, this is your reminder:
Try something new.
Break your own format.
Tell a story differently.
You don’t need permission.
You just need curiosity.
Because that’s where everything begins.