Representation of Social Issues in Films

Introduction The world cinema journey began in silence. Movies were created without sound as the technology of sound was not available in the beginning. A device did not exist that could synchronise sound with the picture. Cinema remained silent for the first 30 years until sound technology was developed late in the 1920s. For all practical purposes, in the world of cinema the words 'film' and 'movies' are synonymous. A movie usually refers to a motion picture for the masses whereas a film is something with more artistic and or educational appeal. A film's primary purpose is that of entertainment. Social awareness, consciousness, commentary and change are all byproducts that a film may invoke. Just as with food, good food provides not only calories but nutrition. If a film makes a connection with the audience, if it entertains, inspires, and motivates then that is a film that creates awareness. Films for any region represent the society, its culture, economy and all that is associated with human institutions. Apart from entertainment, it plays a major role in transforming the structures and at the same time abiding by the root values and generates dialogue, sparks policy change, and/or activates communities around key social issues. They change the perception of individuals; add new dimensions and perspectives through the popularly conceived stories. Films released of late are somehow associated with the problems and concerns that are shared by the people. The history of world cinema has undergone a long course of research, creation and application of new techniques. Numerous methods have been tested and applied to give film making a place in the finest of performing arts across the globe. They tend to address certain issues which do not find enough space in other media. In India, films produced fall into different categories depending on the regional audience for which they are primarily produced, language and the content of the film. When we say a film means something, we are saying it has some kind of point to it. In other words, the film has something to say about some kind of issue: it comments upon this issue; it offers an explicit or implicit interpretation of the issue. Meaning may also usefully be thought of as the expression, and communication, of an impression, an observation, a reflection, or a judgment about something; it may, furthermore, take the form of an argument about or a critique of this same phenomenon. In sum, to describe a film as meaningful suggests that we perceive this film as offering a way of making sense of something that it represents. Film has a uniquely powerful ubiquity within human culture, education, leisure and propaganda. Since its beginning with the film 'Raja Harish Chandra' (1913), the film has remained the most powerful medium for mass communication in India. Film is a reflection of society, both present and past. The film and its innovations sometimes have to catch up with society but sometimes it leads society too. Films are stories; films are people who come out with ideas about something they want to say, something they want to tell someone. Films are a form of communication and that communication, those stories, come from societies--not just where society is at present and what it's doing now but where society has been. It's been this way for as long as movies have been around! Film has the ability to touch the hearts and minds of viewers, and if used responsibly it can carry the message of awareness and change to a global audience. Film affects perceptions and beliefs concerning the world and its inhabitants. Occasionally, a film maker lifts the veil from a hidden plight. It might be about an injustice to a minority, or the courageous story of change brought about by a single individual, but either way it raises awareness on the issue at hand. One of the things people say to film reviewers over and over again are "It's just a film." I admit that sometimes when people talk about films, I have the same feeling. …