No lessons today for children in the fifth grade of primary schools in Cremona. We have invited them to the cinema to celebrate this coming Christmas and we hope they will have fun, but also learn something. Because, as stated in their welcome greeting Annalisa Antolini, daughter of our CEO Alberto, and Councillor for Education and Human Resources of the Municipality of Cremona Maura Ruggeri, we are convinced that good cinema can be an educational tool capable of conveying positive values that are fundamental for the psychological and cultural education of children.
This is why we chose to screen the animated film ‘Elemental’ by Disney-Pixar. Set in a city populated by citizens belonging to the four elements of life, fire, water, air and earth, it proposes a series of topical themes,, from migrants to social acceptance and inclusion, integration between different communities and cultures, freedom to express one’s feelings, to respect for parents and their sacrifices. All this through a touching story where the ingredients of adventure and comedy are interwoven in a fun, engaging and imaginative dimension capable of conveying important messages, such as the meaning of friendship, love, tolerance and solidarity. These are all topics that relate to the new sensitivities of our times which, if learnt at an early age, contribute to the development of children open to new perspectives, ideas and ways of thinking in order to creatively pursue their own personal growth.
As the images scroll across the screen we look around and it is great to see all these children so attentive, their eyes wide with wonder and to hear their laughter. We know how receptive they are at this age, they are like sponges and it is not surprising that they will soon be the ones, with the spontaneity that distinguishes them, to teach us adults that diversity is not an obstacle, but an asset.
Merry Christmas, children, from the whole Ocrim team!