According to A Framework for Film Education in Europe (co-funded by the European Union) the key dimensions of film education include the Critical, the Creative and the Cultural dimensions. The aim of the Framework is "to inspire and equip people across Europe to be able to access, enjoy, understand, create, explore, and share film in all its form throughout their lives". As educators we should realize the enormous benefits we can gain from using film as a teaching tool; we can increase our students' level of engagement, improve their critical thinking and open doors to new cultures and perspectives. In these troubled times we live in, it's more important than ever to discuss fundamental social values like human rights, tolerance and respect for other people and cultures. Films can give us a glimpse into someone else's life, and with the help of films we can teach important values like empathy and tolerance. Within bullying prevention, film is an excellent medium.
2. OUR EMB EXPERIENCE
Within our Erasmus Minus Bullying project we have aimed at reaching the goals of the "three Cs" mentioned in "A Framework for Film Education in Europe": the Creative, Critical and Cultural dimensions of film education. We have produced our own films based on scripts written by our partner schools, we have all worked on the film "The Help" discussing issues related to racism and inequality, we have chosen national European films and YouTube clips dealing with themes of bullying, isolation, discrimination and violence and we have written reviews based on them. Given the fact that we represent ten different countries and more than ten languages the collection of films and clips certainly fulfills the cultural dimension.
During the 5th short term training session held in Opwijk, Belgium, the partner schools presented their chosen film and the review based on the film. The review template used by all partners included the following questions:
Which are the main characters in the film? Which are the situations they face?
How do the different characters deal with the issues of bullying, isolation, discrimination or violence?
Describe different emotions people felt
Why did you choose this film to represent your country? What made you like it so much?
All films portray young people facing bullying, violence or social exclusion at school, at home, in their free time or through social media. Most of the partners chose films produced in their own country and their national language.
3. SKILLS ACQUISITION
Film can help us
understand ourselves, our cultural and national identities
understand other people, cultures, times, ideas and values
develop emphatic skills
develop language and discussion skills
4. OVERALL BENEFIT
Watching, discussing and reviewing films help develop independent thinking, enlarges horizons and broadens perspectives. Film evokes emotions and provokes stimulating discussion. Through this kind of "dialogue" students and teachers can learn together and learn from each other and as a result students can gain confidence and better social skills. As much as films help students understand other people's point of views and emotions, sometimes the most powerful learning outcomes are when students make connections to their own lives and can find help and relief for their own dilemmas.
5. WHEN TO USE THESE FILM REVIEWS
The films chosen by the EMB partners and the reviews based on the films give different European perspectives to the issues of bullying, isolation, discrimination and violence
These film reviews help teach critical thinking skills and give opportunities for students to practice analysis and writing
The film review template can be used for any film which tackles the issues of bullying, isolation, discrimination or violence
Bibliography and links
A Framework for Film Education in Europe (pdf format)
http://www.mediaeducation.fi/a-framework-for-film-education-in-europe/
Mediakasvatusseura (Finnish Society on Media Education)
http://www.mediaeducation.fi/
Koulukino (School Cinema Association Finland)
http://www.koulukino.fi/index.php?id=2117
