Homogeneous, Empty Time

This documentary film explores the spread of nationalism according to the concept of "Homogeneous, Empty Time" by Walter Benjamin, a German Jewish philosopher and cultural critic. The theory as referenced in the book Imagined Communities by Benedict Anderson stated that nationalistic ideologies originated from emptiness within an area where people have homogenous consciousness. This film, therefore, explores people in a variety of communities in Thailand, such as high school students, religious people, nationalistic right-wingers, military cadets, and people in the Southern border, in an attempt to find what foundation the Thai nation is formed upon. The film was shot during a time when Thailand was at its most nationalistic, with the military regime and coup leaders in power. It was also a time of great risk as the junta held absolute power in controlling the citizens by means of withholding and manipulating information, controlling people's behavior and restricting rights, mental and psychological brainwashing, as well as widespread suppression and punishment of any anti-government voices. This left the country with a great number of political prisoners as well as those who have fled in exile.