Notes from Panaji Cinema : Building bridges not walls
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Herojit Nongmaithem
In an increasingly polarized world, cinema emerges not merely as a form of entertainment, but as a critical agent of social change and international diplomacy capable of fostering profound empathy and building bridges across divided societies. Yet, its potential extends far beyond mere reflection; it can act as a projector, illuminating pathways toward global peace, empathy, and profound cross-cultural understanding. This critical role of film was the focus of recent panels at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which explored how motion pictures can dissolve barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges across divided societies. This exten- sive analysis delves into the transformative power of cinema as an agent of social change and international diplomacy, examining how narratives of peace move beyond simplistic platitudes to engage audiences in the necessary work of global empathy.
Cinema often serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the complexities of the human condition, but its potential extends far beyond mere reflection; it can act as a projector, illuminating pathways toward global peace, empathy, and profound cross-cultural under- standing. This critical role of film was the focus of recent panels at the Inter- national Film Festival of India (IFFI), which explored how motion pictures can dissolve barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges across divided societies. This extensive ana- lysis delves into the trans- formative power of cinema as an agent of social change and international diplomacy, examining how na- rratives of peace move beyond simplistic platitudes to engage audiences in the ne-cessary work of global empathy.
At its core, cinema possesses a unique ability to bypass the intellectual and linguistic barriers that often separate cultures. The visual medium speaks a universal language of human emotion. Laughter, fear, sorrow, and love are recognizable across every border and language, creating an imme- diate, visceral connection between the film- maker’s intent and the audience’s experience. Panels on ‘Promoting Peace’ emphasize this inherent capacity for connection. Film allows audiences to virtually inhabit the lives of others, offering perspectives that daily life might never afford. A viewer in Mumbai can experience the daily struggles of a family in conflict-ridden Syria; a viewer in New York can witness the quiet dignity of a community in rural Africa. This is ‘narrative empathy’ in action— the process by which engaging with a story increases an individual’s ability to understand and share the feelings of the characters. By fostering this empathy on a mass scale, cinema lays the groundwork for peace, making ‘the other’ less alien and more fundamentally human.
Conflict often thrives on simplification and stereotype. Throughout history, cinema has regrettably been used as a tool for propaganda, dehumanizing ene- mies and reinforcing Nationalistic fervor. The contemporary panels at IFFI argue for a conscious reversal of this trend, positioning cinema as a force for dismantling these dangerous, divisive narratives. Filmmakers promo- ting peace actively work to subvert stereotypes. Instead of portraying monolithic ‘enemies’ or ‘victims’ they create nuanced characters who defy easy categorization. By presenting the complexities of individuals living within conflict zones, these films challenge official narratives of blame and victimhood.
A powerful example often cited is the use of cinema in post-conflict reconciliation efforts. Documentaries and feature films produced in regions like the former Yugoslavia or Rwanda have been instrumental in allowing commu- nities to confront their shared, often painful, history. By providing a safe, mediated space to view traumatic events through different perspectives, these films facilitate dialogue and understanding that are essential steps toward recon- ciliation and lasting peace.
The key to cinema’s role in promoting understanding is its capacity to shift perspective. A news headline might provide statistics on casualties, but a film provides a name, a face, a history, and a family. It rehumanizes the ‘other’ side of a conflict. Filmmakers engaging with themes of peace often employ specific narrative strategies: they utilize dual perspectives in films that show the conflict from both sides, illustrating the shared suffering and the common desires for safety and normalcy that bind all humanity, regardless of political allegiance.
They focus on the civilian experience, shifting the lens away from the battlefield and high-level politics to the impact of war on ordinary people, underscoring the universal anti-war message. The everyday struggles for survival become a powerful critique of conflict itself. Furthermore, many films promoting cross-cultural understanding focus on the things that connect us rather than divide us—food, music, dance, family values. By highlighting the beauty and commonality of different cultures, these films implicitly advocate for peaceful coexistence.
The path of the peacemaking filmmaker is not without obstacles. The panels addressed the significant challenges of censorship, particularly in politically sensitive regions. Films that challenge State-sanctioned narratives of conflict or portray a nuanced view of the ‘enemy’ are often banned or heavily censored. Furthermore, commercial viability often dictates content. ‘Peace films’ sometimes perceived as niche or overly political by major studios, struggle to find funding and distribution. The IFFI panels served as an essential platform to advocate for funding mechanisms, grants, and distribution channels dedicated specifically to films that prioritize social impact and cross-cultural understanding over pure commercial gain. They encourage the independent film ecosystem to champion these voices and provide them with the visibility necessary to reach a global audience.
Festivals like IFFI are laboratories for celluloid diplomacy. They gather filmmakers, activists, and audiences from across the globe, creating a physical space for the very cross-cultural dialogue the films advocate for.
The ‘Promoting Peace’ panels under- scored the festival’s commitment to curating content that actively contributes to a more tolerant world. In an increasingly polarized global landscape, the message from these sessions is clear: cinema is more than entertainment; it is an essential tool for human connection. By crafting narratives of empathy, challenging division, and celebrating our shared humanity, filmmakers are using the unique power of their medium to foster understanding, one frame at a time, building bridges in a world too often defined by walls. The ongoing dialogue ensures that the powerful rhythms of peace will continue to echo across the silver screen.
In an increasingly polarized world, cinema emerges not merely as a form of entertainment, but as a critical agent of social change and international diplomacy capable of fostering profound empathy and building bridges across divided societies. Yet, its potential extends far beyond mere reflection; it can act as a projector, illuminating pathways toward global peace, empathy, and profound cross-cultural understanding. This critical role of film was the focus of recent panels at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which explored how motion pictures can dissolve barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges across divided societies. This exten- sive analysis delves into the transformative power of cinema as an agent of social change and international diplomacy, examining how narratives of peace move beyond simplistic platitudes to engage audiences in the necessary work of global empathy.
Cinema often serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the complexities of the human condition, but its potential extends far beyond mere reflection; it can act as a projector, illuminating pathways toward global peace, empathy, and profound cross-cultural under- standing. This critical role of film was the focus of recent panels at the Inter- national Film Festival of India (IFFI), which explored how motion pictures can dissolve barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges across divided societies. This extensive ana- lysis delves into the trans- formative power of cinema as an agent of social change and international diplomacy, examining how na- rratives of peace move beyond simplistic platitudes to engage audiences in the ne-cessary work of global empathy.
At its core, cinema possesses a unique ability to bypass the intellectual and linguistic barriers that often separate cultures. The visual medium speaks a universal language of human emotion. Laughter, fear, sorrow, and love are recognizable across every border and language, creating an imme- diate, visceral connection between the film- maker’s intent and the audience’s experience. Panels on ‘Promoting Peace’ emphasize this inherent capacity for connection. Film allows audiences to virtually inhabit the lives of others, offering perspectives that daily life might never afford. A viewer in Mumbai can experience the daily struggles of a family in conflict-ridden Syria; a viewer in New York can witness the quiet dignity of a community in rural Africa. This is ‘narrative empathy’ in action— the process by which engaging with a story increases an individual’s ability to understand and share the feelings of the characters. By fostering this empathy on a mass scale, cinema lays the groundwork for peace, making ‘the other’ less alien and more fundamentally human.
Conflict often thrives on simplification and stereotype. Throughout history, cinema has regrettably been used as a tool for propaganda, dehumanizing ene- mies and reinforcing Nationalistic fervor. The contemporary panels at IFFI argue for a conscious reversal of this trend, positioning cinema as a force for dismantling these dangerous, divisive narratives. Filmmakers promo- ting peace actively work to subvert stereotypes. Instead of portraying monolithic ‘enemies’ or ‘victims’ they create nuanced characters who defy easy categorization. By presenting the complexities of individuals living within conflict zones, these films challenge official narratives of blame and victimhood.
A powerful example often cited is the use of cinema in post-conflict reconciliation efforts. Documentaries and feature films produced in regions like the former Yugoslavia or Rwanda have been instrumental in allowing commu- nities to confront their shared, often painful, history. By providing a safe, mediated space to view traumatic events through different perspectives, these films facilitate dialogue and understanding that are essential steps toward recon- ciliation and lasting peace.
The key to cinema’s role in promoting understanding is its capacity to shift perspective. A news headline might provide statistics on casualties, but a film provides a name, a face, a history, and a family. It rehumanizes the ‘other’ side of a conflict. Filmmakers engaging with themes of peace often employ specific narrative strategies: they utilize dual perspectives in films that show the conflict from both sides, illustrating the shared suffering and the common desires for safety and normalcy that bind all humanity, regardless of political allegiance.
They focus on the civilian experience, shifting the lens away from the battlefield and high-level politics to the impact of war on ordinary people, underscoring the universal anti-war message. The everyday struggles for survival become a powerful critique of conflict itself. Furthermore, many films promoting cross-cultural understanding focus on the things that connect us rather than divide us—food, music, dance, family values. By highlighting the beauty and commonality of different cultures, these films implicitly advocate for peaceful coexistence.
The path of the peacemaking filmmaker is not without obstacles. The panels addressed the significant challenges of censorship, particularly in politically sensitive regions. Films that challenge State-sanctioned narratives of conflict or portray a nuanced view of the ‘enemy’ are often banned or heavily censored. Furthermore, commercial viability often dictates content. ‘Peace films’ sometimes perceived as niche or overly political by major studios, struggle to find funding and distribution. The IFFI panels served as an essential platform to advocate for funding mechanisms, grants, and distribution channels dedicated specifically to films that prioritize social impact and cross-cultural understanding over pure commercial gain. They encourage the independent film ecosystem to champion these voices and provide them with the visibility necessary to reach a global audience.
Festivals like IFFI are laboratories for celluloid diplomacy. They gather filmmakers, activists, and audiences from across the globe, creating a physical space for the very cross-cultural dialogue the films advocate for.
The ‘Promoting Peace’ panels under- scored the festival’s commitment to curating content that actively contributes to a more tolerant world. In an increasingly polarized global landscape, the message from these sessions is clear: cinema is more than entertainment; it is an essential tool for human connection. By crafting narratives of empathy, challenging division, and celebrating our shared humanity, filmmakers are using the unique power of their medium to foster understanding, one frame at a time, building bridges in a world too often defined by walls. The ongoing dialogue ensures that the powerful rhythms of peace will continue to echo across the silver screen.