Scientific Perspectives on The Importance of Film Language Literacy

Abstract

Abstract:

Objectives: The article examines specialized research in the fields of film studies and child psychology in order to demonstrate the value of cinema as a tool for education and emotional management. The study highlights the importance of visual literacy in developing critical thinking, interpretive skills, and the ability to understand cultural and social messages conveyed through film.

Prior Work: Studies by authors such as Christian Metz, David Bordwell, and Laura Mulvey highlight the role of cinematic discourse in shaping young generations and in the dynamics of social communication. Their contributions demonstrate how narrative structure, editing techniques, and visual symbolism participate in the construction of meaning and profoundly influence contemporary viewers’ perception beyond the mere reception of the story. Approach: Starting from the historical analysis of cinema’s evolution as a language, the article investigates how such knowledge can support the self-awareness of young people and children, who are today confronted with an overwhelming flow of digital images. The research relies on a qualitative methodology — theoretical syntheses and the analysis of representative sequences — in order to show how film can be “read” and critically interpreted by students as potential viewers. Results: The findings show that individuals familiar with the grammar of film are able to interpret visual messages more profoundly, recognize manipulative techniques or implicit ideologies, and develop a critical spirit that protects them from the passive consumption of images. Implications: The integration of film education into school and university curricula becomes essential, together with the training of teachers. Any encounter with audiovisual material should not be a blind one, but a prepared experience in which conscious understanding tempers raw emotions and transforms visual exposure into a process of knowledge serving inner growth rather than blind submission. Value: The research provides a theoretical and practical framework for media education, aimed at supporting the development of modern educational policies and the initiation of film and animation workshops for children. This represents a natural step toward transforming visual literacy into a tool for personal development, fostering creativity, and strengthening the child’s uniqueness as an emerging author.