Film as medium for meaning making: A practical theological reflection

Abstract

The reflection on film will be situated within the framework of popular culture and livedreligion as recognised themes within the discipline of practical theology. It is argued that theperspective of viewers is of importance within the process of meaning-making. By focusing onthe experience and meaning-making through the act of film-watching the emphasis is not somuch on the message that the producer wishes to convey but rather on the experience that iscreated within the viewer. Experience is not viewed as only emotional, but rather that, at least,both the cognitive and emotional are key in the act of watching a film. It is therefore arguedthat this experience that is seldom reflected on by viewers could serve as a fruitful platform formeaning-making by the viewer. In a context where there seems to be a decline in institutionalisedforms of religion, it is important to investigate emerging forms of religion. Furthermore, theturn to the self also makes people’s experiences and practices in everyday life valuableresources for theological reflection. This reflection could provide a theoretical framework forespecially empirical research on how film as specific form of media serves as a religiousresource and plays a role in the construction of meaning and religious identity.

Evolution of the Cultural Trade Network in “the Belt and Road” Region: Implication for Global Cultural Sustainability

“…In the case of film, film is not only a cultural product, but also a medium for cultural communication. Film combines three powerful elements: image, sound, and context, and communicates with the audiences in other regions or countries [56]. Therefore, cultural sustainable development cannot be achieved by cultural protection through isolation, but it should involve strengthening trade in cultural products between countries, regions, and globally.…”

The discursive construction of spiritual values and cultural standards in Sang Pemimpi Film

“…Multimodal artifacts include images, writing, movement, speech, and sound effects. Multimodal analysis is needed to understand meaning-making dynamics [27], [38], [39], including religious identity [40]. In the last ten years, multimodal discourse analysis research has grown significantly, with new fields like visual grammar, digital technologies, conference presentations, and metaphor emerging.…”

The Deconstruction of Horror Film Formula in Midsommar by Ari Aster (2019)

“…Furthermore, the author adds other powers that the normal horror films do not have, such as a close relationship between culture and films that are not possessed by other horror film industries. In the opinion of Anita L. Cloete (2017) film as a cultural product and medium, has the potential to be an essential medium for meaning-making. Because cinema and film are rooted inside culture, there is a complicated and fascinating relationship between film, culture, ideology, and the audience.…”