EDU 404.1 Short film presentation on student abuse in school campus and POCSO rules

 

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