The Magic of Films
Who is not fascinated with films? Most of us are! They stimulate experiences and communicate ideas by weaving stories that have a lasting impression on individuals and on society.
This year, the Commission for Social Communications of the Province is organising the MumbaiSalesian Short Film Festival — Kahaani, with the aim of empowering youngsters to use the audio visual medium (filmmaking) to tell stories that make a difference.
I am glad that the Salesians of the Mumbai Province are backing this initiative. This, according to me, is one of the best ways to accompany youngsters in helping them articulate ideas creatively and support them in a process that goes beyond filmmaking.
A Valuable Formation Tool
Bringing Clarity to life: Story writing or screenplay writing is one of the most essential aspects of filmmaking. Sometimes it takes months before a script is finalised for production. That is because if you do not come up with a coherent story, your film could flop at the box office.
Writing is what most people tend to avoid because it is not easy. Yet, it is one of the most essential skills to learn, no matter where your life may take you. It is what drives communication and helps us connect with others. Writing provokes you to think and brings clarity. Story writing can also enhance analytical skills. By encouraging youngsters to write, we could assist them in bringing clarity to their thoughts and vision for life.
Building a sense of communion: Anyone who has seen the Cannes / Oscar / Filmfare ceremonies will be familiar with the numerous categories of awards that artists are nominated for—screenplay, costumes, art direction, cinematography, acting, choreography, direction, music, sound score, editing and best film. This clearly indicates that filmmaking is not a one-man show. It requires a team or a group of skilled professionals who under an able director can bring alive a compelling story on screen.
The whole filmmaking process, to work effectively, needs a coordinated effort. This means, those involved have to learn the art of working together, embracing differences, overcoming dead-ends and working toward a common end. In some of the workshops I’ve conducted, I’ve seen how the process has led even hostile members in groups to bond with each other only because working together helped them know the other person a little better.
Get a taste of planning/decision making: If you do not plan in filmmaking, you might be heading for chaos and disaster. Since it involves a cast and crew, thorough planning is the only way to make sure all resources are optimally used. This not only saves time but also money. Students exposed to the process of film production gain an edge in learning the art of planning and decision making and will hold them in good stead no matter which profession they choose.
Pooling multiple talents for one cause: It goes without saying that filmmaking is a creative art. Those involved in this process have ample opportunities to bring out their creative geniuses, be it through writing, acting, camera work, direction and so on. In fact, filmmaking could be that one unifying factor, like stage plays/musicals, that bring multiple talents together to bring out that one common message that makes a difference. Thus, it gives youngsters an chance to express themselves and to take a stand on issues that affect society.
Doing it the Don Bosco Way
“Love what the young love,” was Don Bosco’s approach to educate youngsters to life. Today, we find many youngsters attracted to filmmaking because most mobile phones have all the tools required for filmmaking. Moreover, with platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook and Instagram that are conducive to sharing one’s work, filmmaking has only got easier.
But while most of these resources are easily available, youngsters often struggle with creating engaging content. This is where the Salesian touch backed up with their informed presence with the young in the field of filmmaking could go a long way in turning dreams of the young into a reality.
