On demand streaming services have changed the game for foreign language films. It's so easy now to watch films from around the world with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max and so on. Back in the day, you had to go to some specialty video store or rely on film festivals to get a taste of international cinema. But now, all you need is a streaming subscription, and boom! You're suddenly exposed to a whole new world of films.
Not only have on-demand streaming services made foreign language films more accessible, but they have also brought them to a global audience. I've seen so many films on Netflix that I probably would never have even heard of otherwise. Today filmmakers from different parts of the world can reach a wider audience, a testament to the positive aspects of technological penetration.
A couple of weeks ago, I watched my first Kollywood film. Kollywood is the term used to refer to the Tamil film industry based in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest and most popular film industries in India, alongside Bollywood (Hindi cinema) and Tollywood (Telugu cinema). The film I watched was “Vaathi”. It was a recommended film on my Netflix home screen. Vaathi means teacher in Tamil. I am an educator. I guess the algorithms of Netflix know me well quite well!
The film revolves around the theme of the right to education in India. Kollywood superstar Dhanush plays the lead role in the film, and the story follows his character's efforts to fight for educational rights and his struggle against corruption in the education system. The film sheds light on the importance of education in rural areas and the challenges that students face in accessing quality education, showcasing the efforts of the protagonist to fight for the right to education, which is a relevant and important issue in India.
Watching foreign films can be a valuable experience in many ways. Foreign films provide a window into other cultures, offering a glimpse into the customs, beliefs, and values of people from different parts of the world. This can broaden one's perspective and help develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Additionally, foreign films, such as Vaathi, often tackle universal themes and issues, which can resonate with viewers regardless of their cultural background. This can create a sense of connection and empathy across borders. Finally, watching foreign films is enriching, as it exposes us to different styles, techniques, and storytelling traditions.
Though Vaathi has received mixed reviews, I really enjoyed it! It explores the important theme off the right to quality education and the larger fight of good against evil. Check it out if you have time!