Third Cinema- Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Third Cinema- - Essay Example The aspects of Third Cinema which are expressed by Sembene make the films controversial as well as a way to show the culture of Senegal and the controversies surrounding politics and society. Through the movies, there is a creation of boundaries of what it means to belong in a third world country and the social and political divisions which have arisen in response to this. Theory of Third Cinema The concept of third cinema is based on the social and political problems that are apparent in third world countries. These issues are defined as being separate from first world countries and hold several layers of what it means to belong to a third world country. The language that is developed to represent this shows a development and understanding of the practices and political and ideological overtones that are present in the countries. This is furthered by showing the pressing issues which need to be changed and how these have affected the nations without the understanding of those in pre sent day society. From the ideas of political and social overtones are three main strategies used to create the Third Cinema. This includes styles and narratives that are relative to the country represented, defamiliriazation from Hollywood style plots and national and local variations that are representative of the main issues of a given culture. While Third Cinema is able to provide the outlook of politics and society in the third world, there are other influences that create a different portrayal of the films. The main contrast that is seen with the films is based on the combination of Western ideologies and techniques, such as seen through Hollywood influences, as well as creating unique outlooks with both the techniques and content of the film. To change this, the third cinema focuses on representation that is specific to localities and nations. This includes an exotic look as well as content that is specific to each of the regions. By doing this, there is the ability to create a sense of identity and belonging as a part of the film, as opposed to fitting in with the Western concepts. To the Western viewer, this leads to an understanding that the third world problems are a part of the other and have a feel of belonging to the outside as a specific problem to that culture. By using this image, there is the ability to gain interest from the Western viewers while representing the context of a specific third world culture (Ukadike, 1994). Xala I the Cure â€Å"Xala I The Cure† is the first film that is displayed by Sembene as appealing to the specific politics and society that are a part of Senegal. The beginning of this is the setting that is chosen, specifically which represents the ideal of Senegal before colonialism. The setting and the representation of the exotic through costumes and other elements are seen as related directly to the Mande Empire. This is common for the area of shooting of the film. This contrasts with the setting after coloniali sm, which is represented by the French costumes that are a part of the story line. At first, this is seen specifically by the French invasions. However, as the story continues, there is conformity to the French styles in costume, ways of living and the ideals which are carried. The setting and the approach that is taken shows how there is a division between these two era which has created a different sense of belonging to t