EDU 404.1 Short film presentation on
student abuse in school campus and POCSO rules
1.0. Introduction
Short films are a unique
and captivating form of storytelling within the realm of cinema. Unlike
feature-length films that can span several hours, short films typically range
from a few minutes to around 40 minutes in length. Despite their shorter duration,
short films have the power to captivate audiences, convey powerful messages,
and leave a lasting impact.
Short films have become
increasingly popular in the educational field due to their ability to engage
students and facilitate learning in a concise and impactful manner. These
films, typically ranging from a few minutes to half an hour in length, offer
numerous benefits in the educational context. Short films enhance learning
experiences, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and empathy among
students.
One distinguishing
characteristic of short films is their ability to tell a complete story within
a limited timeframe. Filmmakers must employ concise storytelling techniques to
effectively convey the narrative, often focusing on a single theme or concept.
Another notable feature
of short films is their capacity for experimentation and innovation. Filmmakers
have the freedom to push boundaries and explore unconventional storytelling
techniques. Through the skilful use of imagery, short films can evoke powerful
emotions and engage viewers in a profound and immediate way.
1.1. Students Abuse in Schools
Student
abuse can encompass various forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual
abuse. It involves any act or behavior that causes harm, distress, or violates
the rights of a student. Such abuse can occur between students, from teachers
or staff to students, or in some cases, even by parents or guardians.
To address student abuse,
several laws and regulations exist at the national level in India. The Right to
Education (RTE) Act of 2009 is a significant legislation that aims to ensure
free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14. The RTE Act
prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment in schools, making it
illegal to subject students to any form of abuse.
Additionally, the
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012 specifically
addresses child sexual abuse. In Kerala, the state government has taken steps
to prevent student abuse and ensure child protection. The Kerala Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences Rules, 2012, outlines guidelines for implementing
the POCSO Act in the state. The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child
Rights (KeSCPCR) is another important body responsible for safeguarding
children's rights and addressing complaints related to child abuse.
Furthermore, the State
Education Department and the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child
Rights have developed a Child Protection Policy for schools in Kerala. This
policy emphasizes creating safe and nurturing environments, promoting awareness
and prevention of child abuse, and establishing procedures for reporting and
addressing incidents of abuse.
It is important to note
that while laws and policies exist to combat student abuse, their effective
implementation and enforcement are crucial. Schools, teachers, administrators,
parents, and students all play a vital role in fostering safe and respectful
learning environments.
1.2. POCSO
The
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is a crucial
legislation enacted in India in 2012 to address the issue of child sexual
abuse. The Act aims to provide legal protection and support for children who
have experienced sexual offenses and to ensure a safe and secure environment
for their overall development.
Definition of sexual
offenses: The Act defines various forms of sexual offenses
against children, including but not limited to, penetrative sexual assault,
non-penetrative sexual assault, sexual harassment, and child pornography. It
recognizes that children are unable to provide informed consent and are
particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse.
Special courts:
The POCSO Act established special courts exclusively for the trial of offenses
under the Act. These courts are designed to ensure a child-friendly environment
and swift justice, aiming to minimize the trauma experienced by the child
during legal proceedings.
Mandatory reporting:
The Act makes it mandatory for individuals, including parents, teachers,
doctors, and other professionals, to report any suspicion or knowledge of child
sexual abuse to the police. Failure to report such offenses is itself
considered an offense under the Act.
Child-friendly procedures:
The Act emphasizes the need for child-friendly procedures during the
investigation and trial of sexual offenses. It seeks to protect the privacy and
dignity of the child by allowing for in-camera trials, closed-door hearings,
and the use of screens or video links to shield the child from the accused.
Rehabilitation and
support: The POCSO Act recognizes the importance of providing
support and rehabilitation to child victims. It mandates the establishment of
Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU) and Child Welfare Committees (CWC) to
ensure the well-being of the child during the investigation and subsequent
rehabilitation process.
Penalties and punishment:
The Act prescribes stringent penalties for offenders. It provides for
imprisonment ranging from a minimum of three years to life imprisonment,
depending on the severity of the offense. It also includes provisions for
fines, as well as enhanced punishment for repeat offenders.
It is important to note
that the implementation and effectiveness of the POCSO Act depend on several
factors, including the proper training of law enforcement officials, timely and
sensitive handling of cases, and community awareness about child rights and
protection.
1.3. Script of the Short film
The
name of the short film is ‘POCSO’
Scene 1
In Autorickshaw (Dialogue between driver
and mother of the abused child, her name is Raji.
Scene 2
On
the way to the house (no dialogue) background music, Raji is walking to house
Scene 3
In
the house (no dialogue only acting) hearing the sound, Raji break the head of
the abuser and saw the pathetic situation of daughter.
Scene 4
Raji
and child is sitting at backdoor, in the background there is a folk song
playing…meanwhile some writings are scrolling on the screen as flash message.
1.4. Report
This
report outlines the experience of creating a short film on the topic of child
abuse, specifically related to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
(POCSO) Act, as part of the B. Ed curriculum. It highlights the efforts made
during the shooting, editing, and casting processes, providing insights into
the overall experience of making the film.
As part of my study, I
was required to create a short film. To prepare for this, I watched several short
films on the same topic. This helped me gain a better understanding of the
process involved in making a short film. To manage costs, I took charge of the directing,
shooting and editing, which worked well since I had prior experience with
editing.
Finding actors for the
film was quite challenging due to the sensitive subject matter. Eventually, I
was able to convince actors to participate on the condition that their faces
would not be shown. The short film was prepared by giving importance to
emotional scenes by making the dialogue only in the first scene out of four
scenes.
I decided to name the
film "POCSO" to reflect its connection to the subject matter. To
deepen the understanding of POCSO, I incorporated a few pictures in the
beginning into the film that gave a sense of critical awareness and shock. The
film concluded with a folk song as back ground music, giving a flash message on
the final scenes and urging parents and teachers to reflect upon the final
message.
The editing process,
which involved assembling all the scenes, was time-consuming. However, I felt a
great sense of satisfaction in completing everything in just one day. Overall,
the experience of making a short film was positive, providing valuable learning
opportunities. The feedback I received from those who watched it was positive,
which boosted my confidence and self-esteem.
1.5. Reflection
Creating a short film on
the topic of child abuse and POCSO Act as part of the B. Ed curriculum was a
transformative experience for me. It provided me, as an aspiring teacher, with
an opportunity to explore a critical issue, enhance my understanding, and
develop my skills in short film making. The process allowed me for personal
growth, deeper empathy, and an understanding of the importance of addressing
child abuse in educational settings.
The experience of making
the short film not only contributed me to the development of filmmaking skills
but also provided me, as an aspiring teacher, with a platform to raise awareness
and engage in meaningful discussions on child protection. It emphasized the
significance of collaboration, research, and responsible storytelling when
addressing sensitive topics like child abuse.
Nb. I also add a short film which I have directed and edited