Reading and Discussion #2

Beyond giving students a stronger voice, youth filmmaking also promotes the exploration of culture, ideals, and the use of media as a tool for education.  As expressed in my "Reelworks" post, the students that created the video about video gaming and how it relates to culture explored a comparison between social media hours and video game hours that I never would have examined myself. Through the use of filmmaking, they were able to force me to consider a new viewpoint on the topic. Along similar lines, do you think the students would have ever followed this progression of thought had they not been creating a film on the topic? The video has essentially been a medium for critical thought and evaluation.

Along the same lines of critical thinking, filmmaking also allows for critical examination of media itself, be it the use of media in different lines of work, or how current media portrays different topics. When preparing and researching for a video, one might find other videos and messages in media along similar topic lines that might run contrary to the filmmaker's viewpoint. These contrary opinions could hold bias, or incorrect data, and the knowledge of such existence could allow the filmmaker to directly confront these notions in an attempt to dispel rumor or incorrect opinion, establishing a stronger message and teaching the creator a great deal about critical media literacy at the same time.

Filmmaking also provides a medium for education that might not be entirely utilized in all areas of our society.  Videos teaching others how to tie a bowtie, or cook an egg, or land a job, all can educate individuals in a more interactive fashion than text. While the video creator is providing knowledge to others through the video, the watchers might also be education the creator in the form of comments and feedback, allowing for an exchange of knowledge and an opportunity for learning and cultural interaction.