Yes, Cinema Matters, and a Lot

For some, cinema is a passion; for others, a passing entertainment. Some people enjoy a film for hours: reading the reviews, sharing opinions, reflecting in private… Others simply let it leave its mark on their mind and soul, without trying to understand its meaning, accepting and surrendering to the impression and the feeling it has left in them, without wanting to master it.

As with other arts, if you’re not a devoted fan, it can be neglected, and given the lives most of us lead, which give us no respite and don’t let us reflect on and observe what’s happening around us, only exceptional works are able to reawaken that awareness of the importance of cinema that we tend to lose.

It’s not a question of feelings; there’s much more behind a film than just stirring up emotions. Since I’m ignorant about it, my limitations keep me from expressing it the way it deserves, but somehow I can grasp that, beyond the beauty or the feelings it stirs up, thousands of people of all kinds and ways of thinking are able to be in tune for a few minutes thanks to cinema. It’s a powerful tool for humanity.

After many years, I’ve felt connected again to the importance of cinema thanks to a film: La bola negra. I have no idea how it will be received internationally, and I hope it reaches the widest possible audience. Many artistic aspects surprised me, but I’m not a film critic, so I’m not going to make a fool of myself. What I can say for sure is that I doubt anyone can watch the film without reflecting on and learning something about ourselves, people and society, and coming out a little wiser after those 2 hours and a bit.

Don’t deprive yourselves of this food for the soul and the mind; opportunities like this are hard to find. When you get the chance, remember this name: La bola negra.