Films as Vehicles for Division: Seminar Highlights Communalism in Indian Cinema
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A national seminar in Kerala explored how certain films are being used to promote communal polarization and distort historical narratives,rather than fostering patriotic sentiment.
A growing concern over the role of cinema in shaping societal perceptions took center stage at a recent national seminar held at MES Marampally Autonomous College in Kochi, Kerala. The event, focused on cultural politics, ideology, and representation, brought to light accusations that some Indian films are actively employed as tools for injecting communalism and distorting historical facts.
Examining the Intersection of Cinema,History,and Nationalism
The seminar,inaugurated by MES College Principal Dr. Mansoor Ali,featured contributions from Anita Varghese and Anita Mary,sparking critical discussions on the complex interrelationships between cinema,history,and nationalism. A central argument presented was that a subset of films operate not to inspire patriotic feelings, but to achieve political objectives through the purposeful exacerbation of communal divisions.
“Such films aim at political activity through communal polarization rather than evoking patriotic feelings,” stated Dr. Sebastian Joseph, an eco-film history researcher and author who addressed the seminar.Dr. Joseph, who also serves as Head of History and Anthropocene Studies at the Tropical Institute of Ecological Science and a visiting professor at Manarkad St. Mary’s College, argued that these films contribute to a dangerous trend of “othering” communities.
The Distortion of History and Normalization of Bias
Participants highlighted the alarming trend of films presenting a skewed or fabricated version of history, ofen under the guise of patriotic storytelling. This distortion,they argued,serves to normalize communal biases and reinforce existing prejudices within society. The seminar underscored the need for a more critical and discerning approach to film consumption, urging audiences to question the narratives presented and seek out diverse perspectives.
The discussions also touched upon the duty of filmmakers and the media in ensuring accurate and unbiased representation. Participants emphasized the importance of promoting films that foster understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, rather than those that exploit communal tensions for political gain.
The seminar concluded with a call for continued dialog and research into the impact of cinema on Indian society, with a particular focus on identifying and addressing the harmful effects of communal propaganda.
Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions, turning the update into a substantive news report:
What: A national seminar was held at MES Marampally Autonomous College in Kochi, Kerala, focusing on the role of cinema in promoting communal polarization and distorting historical facts.
Who: The seminar was inaugurated by MES College Principal Dr. Mansoor Ali and featured contributions from anita varghese, Anita Mary, and Dr.Sebastian Joseph, an eco-film history researcher. Participants included academics,researchers,and individuals concerned about the impact of cinema on Indian society.
Why: The seminar was convened due to growing concerns that certain Indian films are being deliberately used to exacerbate communal divisions and manipulate historical narratives for political gain, rather than inspiring patriotism. Participants believe this trend normalizes bias and reinforces prejudice.
How did it end?: The seminar concluded with a call for continued research and dialogue on the impact of cinema on Indian society, specifically focusing on identifying and addressing the harmful effects of communal propaganda. Participants also emphasized the responsibility of filmmakers and the media to ensure accurate and unbiased representation.
