Representation And Preservation Of Local Cultural Elements In Selected Amharic Feature Films

In a country which has diverse cultural performance with divers nations and nationalities,rnfilms play a major role in portraying political, cultural, economical and social aspects of societyrnbeyond their entertaining role. Films have practical relationship with any activities andrncircumstances in a society. All social, economical and cultural reality of the society can bernpresented in films. In particular, films can present collective or individualist imagination of thernsociety including perceptions on crucial issues related to economical, political, social andrncultural aspects of the society. In the case of culture, films have power to present and preservernsociety‟s culture in order to transfer to the next generation.rnCulture is a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, moral, low, customrnand any other capabilities and habits acquired by human as a member of a society. It could bernlearned, acquired experienced or transferred through various ways. One of the most influential ofrnthese ways is through films.rnThe aim of this paper is to explore and critically analyze the representation andrnpreservation of cultural elements in Ethiopian feature films produced in Amharic language. Thernstudy was conducted based on the data gathered from film producers and directors throughrninterview and direct observation of selected films. Qualitative research approach was used tornanswer the research questions that emerge through the review of existing literature andrnexperiences of the researcher in respect of watching local films.rnThe study thematically analyzes data obtained from interview and film observation. Thernresult of the study indicated that, some cultural elements are presented in selected films which correspond to country‟s culture and life style. In addition challenges also encountered tornincorporate cultural elements in home grown films in both filmmakers and government sides.rnThe study suggests a series of measures which could be taken by filmmakers, film industry andrnby government to address various challenges identified in order to use films as a tool forrnintervention of social development works.rnThis study tries to see the presentation and preservation of cultural elements in selectedrnAmharic films. Findings indicate selected films attempted to create direct association with therncountry's culture in some aspects, like local foods, style of dress, local music, and family life.rnThose cultural elements which distinctly represented Ethiopia in selected Amharic films werernindicators how films have power to transmit culture to the next generation around the country.rnIncorporating local cultural elements in local films also provide self satisfaction for producersrnand directors as well as help them to know much better about their culture and county. However,rncertain factors were seen as problem to produce such kind of films widely in the country.rnTherefore this thesis also focuses on the challenges and opportunities of current situation tornproduce cultural oriented films.rnKey words: cultural elements, preservation, Amharic films, representation

Get Full Work

Report copyright infringement or plagiarism