Pukka

The plot

Directed by Oliver Lin

Mr. Mathew, a highschool math teacher and an authoritarian keeper ofhis classroom, manages the behavior of his students with the help ofa hidden camera. That is, until the arrival of a “new student,” Steven.After first impressions, Steven regards his new teacher as a bit of anoddity and believes he lacks integrity. With one confrontation afterthe other, Mr. Mathew’s rule over his classroom slips towards a powerstruggle.

Director Statement

Definition of the word pukka: genuine, authentic (the title of the film was intended to be ironic).

The idea behind the story of Pukka was derived from a sense of paranoia I felt towards a professor, who I believed, held a personal vendetta against me. Why? I have no definite answer, only speculation. Maybe the professor overheard me make a negative remark about him/her?

This led me to think, could an individual benefit from overhearing the negative and positive things said about them behind their backs? More specifically, how could one use this information to one’s advantage and what effects would it have on one’s mental well being.

Limited interactions with family, friends, coworkers, and peers, can only provide a glimpse of who an individual really is. In addition, we tend not to shy away from creating facades so you never know what really goes on behind closed doors; my intention for this film, simply put, was to open the doors.

• Age Rating General (12 and under)
• Running time 00:08:03 mins



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