Cinema is a powerful form of expression. A moving image with soundtrack that surrounds. The audience, in a singular moment with others, are in two places at once. Cinema can explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. Or it can be used to sell hype, hamburgers and franchises.

Cinema can be used to unearth the fears and desires that we keep hidden away in the depths of our souls. Bringing them forward at will. It can feels like the devil’s work. Cinema can be used to shine a light on the things that we are afraid off, though we are sometimes unaware of our fear.

Like art, cinema or film, can challenge and help us confront our fears. Maybe help us come to terms with feelings and emotions we are hiding from ourselves.

It’s possible for cinema to be used as a tool for social change. We can start to have conversations about the things that we would normally keep hidden away, or the things we take for granted.

ar fhaitíos na bhfaitíos – on fear of the fear

Films influence people in all walks of life. They can be used to promote a certain message or world view, or to simply entertain. No matter what the reason for making or watching a film, they have the power to change the way people think and behave.

Some of the most influential films are those that deal with controversial topics. They can challenge people’s opinions and beliefs, and open their minds to new ideas. These films can be thought-provoking and even life-changing.

Hollywood usually provides the light-hearted models, but still have the ability to influence people. They provide escapism from the everyday, and help people to see the world in a different way. These films can be uplifting and inspiring. Just like a meal from macca’s though, you’ll be hungry straight after.

The moving image has the power to change the way we think and feel. They can help to make us better people, better leaders and motivate us to listen with our hearts. This is my hope for this Precious Fragments project, that we get to investigate the gaps that are missing in our own story.

This is one of a series of posts about the Precious Fragments project funded by Creative Victoria. The funding is to support the development of backstory to the City of Luxville in a juxtaposition of Irish and Wadawurrung cultures to investigate place, identity and connection.

The Precious Fragments project will use three distinct languages:

• Gaeilge – Irish – this will be given in italics.
• Language – Wadawurrung – this will be given in CAPITALS.
• English – Australian – this will be given in Sentence Case.