See how cinema manages to portray the value of education for people’s development
Education Day, celebrated on April 28, was determined during the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal, in the year 2000, to celebrate the importance of the educational base in the formation of critical and aware citizens. One of the fundamental pillars for the development of any country, education allows people to acquire knowledge and skills capable of transforming their lives and society.
In addition, education is fundamental for building a more just and egalitarian society. In this sense, cinema has the power to to transmit important messages about it. Check out, below, 3 films that show how education can transform lives and positively impact the society.
1. Freedom Writers (2007)
“Freedom Writers” is a film based in facts that portrays the story of teacher Erin Gruwell, who begins to teach at a school in Los Angeles, where students are considered “irrecoverable”. The professional uses literature as a tool to inspire her students and teach them how to express their emotions and opinions. The film shows the importance of education in the lives of young people and how a dedicated teacher can change the trajectory of his students, even when everything seems lost.
Where to watch: Netflix.
2. Malala (2015)
The documentary “Malala” portrays the story of Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani activist who fought for the right of girls to education. O film follows her journey from her childhood in Pakistan to her global activism for education, featuring interviews with Malala and her family, as well as footage from her speech at the UN (United Nations) in 2013.
The film also addresses political and social issues in Pakistan, such as the Taliban’s dominance in the region and the fight for girls’ right to education, highlighting the importance of the latter in building a more just and egalitarian society.
Where to watch: Netflix.
3. Matilda: The Musical (2022)
Matilda: The Musical retells the famous 1996 story and is adapted from the award-winning 2011 musical, which tells the story of a lonely and extraordinary girl who uses her sharp mind and fertile imagination to change her life and transform the world around you.
Alisha Weir plays Matilda Wormwood, a brilliant six-year-old raised by rude, ignorant parents who neglect her so much that they forget to enroll her in school. Matilda spends most of her time at home or in the bookstore, where she stimulates her imagination.
After discovering her magical powers, her father sends her to the school of principal Agatha Trunchbull (Emma Thompson), a cruel woman who controls the institution with an iron fist. Matilda is only comfortable in the presence of Professor Honey (Lashana Lynch), who tries to help her as best she can. The film is ideal for encouraging children to read and preserving the good relationship between teachers and students.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.