The TV News each evening doesn’t carry many uplifting stories but tonight on channel 4 news they had a piece that grabbed me and fed my optimistic nature. It was about Filmclub. This is a project started by Director, Beeban Kidron, which introduces movies into schools throughout England. She’s had a trial running and it’s been hugely successful so it’s now being rolled out around the rest of the country.
“I think that stories and the telling of stories are the foundations of human communication and understanding. If children all over the country are watching films, asking questions and telling their stories, then the world will eventually be a better place. That’s how important I think FILMCLUB is.”
Oh, I agree, Beeban. Stories and the telling of stories really are the foundation of what it is to be human. Filmclub’s co-founder, Lindsay Mackie said –
“ Films have the power to raise your gaze and raise your game and give you a ticket to pleasure and enlightenment forever more….”
YES! Well, that’s aiming high, isn’t it? How wonderful!
I use movies a LOT in my teaching (I teach mainly doctors, but also nurses, dentists, vets and other health care workers). I know that some of you (yes, mrschili, I’m talking to you!) also use movies a lot in your own teaching work. This Filmclub idea has sparked a thought for me – what if I started a Filmclub for patients in the hospital where I worked? If I was going to do that, which movies would I show? Patients are often suffering and in distress. Which movies might be catalysts to discussions which encourage healing? Any suggestions?
Heroes Not Zombies 
I used a movie in my composition class just this morning, as a matter of fact! I showed my dearies The Freedom Writers and, much to my surprise, they LOVED it. I’m very much looking forward to our conversation about it on Tuesday!
I think the idea of a film club is a fantastic one, and I can’t really think of a single setting where the use of film as part of the community would be inappropriate. If I were starting a film club that focused on patients, I think I’d focus primarily on stories about finding one’s inner strength, of failing to give in when things seem overwhelming. The film I showed today would be a great example of that, as would something like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants or Amazing Grace or Apollo 13. Just set me to thinking, and I’ll come up with entire themes for your club to explore!!
August Rush – a wonderful movie about a young orphan with a gift for music who never gives up on the idea that his parents will find him.
Bob, I was gratified to hear this story too, and thought perhaps the UK wasn’t going as far down the tubes as sometimes I think it is.
My mind always goes a blank when asked for film (or book, or music) ideas. But I’ll have a go – here’s one.
Little Miss Sunshine: despite the title it’s deliciously dark, yet optimistic about the ability of human beings to find a way to communicate, celebrate, and dance
Maybe you’ll post the list of suggestions and recommendations?
Joanna
Last night I asked my wife what movies she thought would help promote healing. She immediately thought of Norman Cousins and how he felt that humor affected the body in a positive way. Maybe a list of comedies could be a part of your film club as well.
Hey thanks for your suggestions folks.
You’ve suggested movies I’ve never seen – what a gift! I can feel a visit to Amazon marketplace coming on!
Richard, your wife’s suggestion is great – of course, the Norman Cousins story is truly inspirational – I believe some hospitals in the US have “laughter trolleys” where someone comes round with comedy movies for the patients to watch.
Strangely, the BMA News Review today carries a big story about the use of movies in medical education highlighting the work of a Prof Blasco from Brazil. One of the interesting parts of his work is that the movies he shows are chosen by the students.
Story-telling is one way culture is preserved or changed. It is powerful stuff indeed!
Movies with good story-telling, but you would have to view them first to see if they work for your patients:
Groundhog Day
Forrest Gump
Rudy
Pleasantville
Princess Bride
October Sky
Good Will Hunting
The Shawshank Redemption
Babe
And I’m a sci fi fan, so I must add:
The Matrix
The Abyss
Great List!
I use both Forrest Gump and Good Will Hunting when teaching doctors. Groundhog Day, Pleasantville, Shawshank and the Matrix are great. But Rudy I don’t know at all – thanks for expanding my movie experiences! I know of all your other choices but not well enough to KNOW them – time to re-visit I think!
Thanks a lot!