“We love the way InDPC is raising consciousness among the people, with cinema.” We had the good fortune of receiving this feedback as we travelled to the rural districts of Purulia, West Bengal, to serve 84 children and bring the joy of cinema to their villages. It was the first time they saw The Lion King and Haulout. The villagers’ overwhelming hospitality stole our hearts and made us feel one with them. Their reactions and relentless requests for a revisit spoke volumes.
Although new and inexperienced, we were motivated to make a visible impact. With haste and slippers scattered around, every child excitedly gathered to delve into this new experience of storytelling. To carry out this vision in a rural setting to raise awareness was no easy feat. Although this was our first attempt, and it carried its rough edges, the visible joy on the faces of children and the community was rewarded enough. Cinema on Wheels, a crowd-funded initiative, gave us the means to bring this experience to life. We consciously chose The Lion King and Haulout, as both address important, relatable topics. Through its light-hearted storytelling, The Lion King captivates children while exploring grief, betrayal, guilt, responsibility, and the cycle of life. Haulout, in contrast, highlights the harsh effects of the climate crisis and the suffering of walruses. Together, they offered a powerful blend of imagination and reality.
When children watch stories about their own world or new worlds, you can clearly see their curiosity on their faces. Cinema shapes perceptions, provokes thought, and provides catharsis. As Nadine Labaki beautifully said, “Cinema is not only about making people dream. It’s about changing things and making people think.”
