Becoming the Other: Animism and Perspectivism in the Observational Documentary Railway Sleepers

Abstract

       Railway Sleepers (2016) is an observational documentary by Sompot Chidgasornpongse, filmed over eight years, that captures the daily lives of passengers, staff, and the scenery along Thailand's railway routes. The film reflects contemporary Thai society through the diversity of people-across gender, age, ethnicity, religion, and social status—as well as the presence of animals, objects, and various entities both inside and surrounding the train. This documentary embodies a post-humanist perspective that not only portrays the world from a human viewpoint but also invites viewers to experience the world as if they were “becoming” the train or other entities.

          This study explores the film through the lenses of animism and perspectivism, analyzing how Railway Sleepers immerses viewers into a perception beyond their own selves, fostering a connection with the entities surrounding them. The documentary serves as a medium that enables the viewers to “become” other beings, opening up new perspectives on existence, interrelationships, and the natural world. As the viewers’ perspective shifts, so do their vision and understanding of life and the world. Instead of being merely passengers observing from outside, the viewers experience the world through the “body” of the train. This experience of “becoming” brings about transformative shifts in perception, awareness, and understanding of life and the world through a different lens.