From the standpoint of a layperson, education can mean a couple of degrees or good academic performance. But a true educationist will find it hard to subscribe to such ideas. Education means the modification of human behaviour. It is a never ending process of inner growth and development.
Like many other things, ‘Cinema’ can also educate us. A lot of people with different perspectives and varied experiences are involved in the making of a movie. Thus, those who believe that cinema does not educate us must also necessarily believe that education ends after a certain stage in life, which is not true.
These days an increasing number of educationists advocate the use of audio visual aids in the classroom. Why do they do that? This is because time and again, it has been proven that images and sounds make a stronger and lasting impact on the minds of children.
How many of us would willingly gather information about the nationalist struggle or read books on famous historical characters? Hardly any! But films based on historical characters, epics and themes of patriotism, give us lessons in history. Films like ‘Earth 47’, ‘Gadar’ etc depict how love turned into animosity in no time, at the time of the partition. History reminds us of the mistakes that we made in the past and instructs us, not to repeat them.
Cinema presents social reality. They depict the victory of good over evil. The success and popularity of such movies proves that our society respects and admires certain qualities and traits in individuals and people who display such behaviour, are well adjusted members of the society. Thus, the children feel encouraged to imbibe the same values.
Films that deal with social evils can certainly bring about a transformation in the mind set of the people. The film ‘Lajja’ presents a very authentic picture of the situation of women in
Finally, most Indian films are shot in Western locales. For those who have never had the opportunity to cross the Indian shores, this is indeed a treat. It creates a degree of curiosity amongst children and they feel encouraged to find out more about these places, this adds to their knowledge.
When highly successful, attractive and dynamic actors and directors, say something through the medium of movies, people listen. If we’ll see cinema merely as a source of entertainment, then it will remain just that. What we need, is a change, in our own attitude.
Loved this! you say "Education means the modification of human behaviour" but the majority of people reject this definition even if it might be there in books or dictionaries. In fact, educated people think that because they are experts of a subject, they can behave as they wish and insult the ignorant or at least, assert their superiority. It is ironical that educated people are the ones who show the most resistence in making any behavioural change in their life; and because they are good at intellectual debating, they are good at providing 101 reasons of why they won't change !!
ReplyDeleteYou write well!
ReplyDeleteeven i am a screenplay writer,you gave me wonderful insights regarding how a movie can change the audience.
ReplyDeletepremji,trivandrum
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