A Simple Yet Remarkable Film Experience
"Stream and Sunshine" Character Education Class, Ninth Session - Film Viewing at Qingshui River
For many, watching a film is just another routine part of life. Two hours of unwinding, a tub of popcorn, and a narrative that will soon be replaced by the next moments of everyday existence.
However, for the children at Qingshui River, a trip to the movies is anything but mundane.
The Winter Solstice marks the longest night and the chilliest day of the year. On this occasion, families come together to enjoy a warm meal of dumplings, harnessing the heat of the food to fend off the cold, while finding solace in each other's company. Amidst this season of tradition, and with Christmas and New Year on the horizon, we reunited with the children for a small yet meaningful winter adventure: heading to the cinema to catch Zootopia 2.
Anticipation Unfazed by Winter's Chill
The initial plan for a film screening had to be delayed due to an unexpected heavy snowfall. While the thick snow may have obstructed the roads leading to Qingshui River, it couldn’t dampen the children's excitement. During those days, the kids bombarded us with messages asking, "When will we go to the movies?" Meanwhile, parents were actively reaching out to teachers to discuss leave arrangements, eager for their children to be able to join in on the experience.
The wait wasn't too lengthy, and at last, the much-anticipated day had come. After lunch, the children eagerly scanned the surroundings between the campus and the dormitories. When they discovered that the staff had arrived at the school gate, they clutched their leave slips tightly and rushed out one by one, their faces beaming with uncontainable excitement.
A Subtle Harmony of Life
In the cinema lobby, the children instinctively formed a line, speaking softly and waiting patiently. When the announcement came, "You can enter now," they collected their movie tickets, drinks, and popcorn in an orderly fashion. Their joyful yet slightly bashful expressions were heartwarming and genuine.
As the lights dimmed and the big screen flickered to life, the story of Zootopia 2 began to unfold. The film depicted animals striving to break free from societal labels, confront prejudice, and discover their true place in the world. Vulnerable characters faced skepticism about their abilities, and their previously established identities were continually put to the test. Yet, time and again, they stumbled and rose, learning resilience through challenges and growing stronger through the belief others had in them.
The children in the theater reacted with laughter and tension as the plot unfolded with its twists and turns. While they may not have been able to articulate the film’s deeper themes, the intensity of their focused gazes revealed a quiet connection. It was clear that each life, in its pursuit of existence, is on a quest to find its rightful place in the world.
For these children, growth is a courageous journey. They contend with not just homework and exams, but also the challenges posed by cold, distance, circumstances, and the realities of life. The film softly conveys an important message: origins do not dictate one's destiny, and labels do not define the future. When someone believes in you, it provides an added strength to forge ahead.
Memories infused with kindness linger long in the heart.
As the film concluded and we made our way out of the theater, the brisk air greeted us, a stark contrast to the warmth of our shared experience. Many of the children were dressed lightly; some insisted they weren’t cold, while others mentioned they hadn’t worn their winter school coats. At the theater entrance, we handed out thoughtfully prepared "warmth kits" filled with scarves, gloves, and hats.
The warmth that spread from their bodies to their hearts was palpable. Xiao Kaiqi cheerfully addressed the camera, exclaiming, "Thank you, uncles and aunties, for the warmth." Weihong, clad in thin clothing, nodded enthusiastically after donning her new gear, exclaiming, "I feel really warm now." Xiaofei declared he wouldn’t be cold during his morning runs anymore, while Meiling joyfully expressed her love for the gift. Jiashuo noticed a deer on his scarf and remarked that it felt like a New Year’s present. Ziyi asked us to extend her best wishes to her teacher. Some children offered few words, simply smiling quietly, but their faces clearly radiated joy and warmth.
In the city, a movie and a scarf might seem like trivial things. However, for these children, they represented a thoughtfully orchestrated gesture of companionship and an experience of receiving kindness. In the chill of winter, the message was clear: "You are remembered, you are acknowledged, and you truly deserve to be treated well."
Hardship extends beyond mere material scarcity; it often manifests as a deficiency in those seemingly mundane moments that nourish the spirit. It is through these small yet steadfast gestures that a child's sense of security, self-worth, and trust in the world are cultivated over time.
While a movie may be brief, the memories of being nurtured and cared for endure long after the credits roll. May this warmth and sense of companionship continue to light the way on the journey of each child's growth.
