Australian Centre for the Moving Image uses films to teach children emotional intelligence

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne has launched a special initiative called 'Kids Flicks with Feelings' to foster emotional intelligence in children. This program screens films that help young audiences understand and navigate complex emotions like fear, joy, sadness, and grief. ACMI, which attracts over a million visitors annually, aims to teach children empathy and emotional literacy through cinematic storytelling. Senior curator Rhys Goodwin stated that films are powerful tools for developing empathy, noting that children learn to share in others' sorrow by relating to characters' struggles on screen. Each screening includes an activity kit to encourage continued reflection at home. Films like 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial', 'Inside Out 2', 'Coco', and 'Labyrinth' are used to teach lessons on friendship, anxiety, respect for ancestors, and overcoming fear. This approach is particularly relevant for second-generation immigrant children, as observed by psychologist John Martin in Sydney, who noted that films help them understand relationships and cultural roots. Parent Tanvir Ahmed shared that his son's behavior improved after watching 'Inside Out', leading to better communication about his emotions. Researchers suggest that films can be more accessible than books for teaching emotions due to the combined impact of visuals and sound, but emphasize the importance of post-viewing discussions to help children process what they have seen and regulate their own feelings. Given the ubiquity of screen time, ACMI's initiative focuses on the quality of content and its educational impact, promoting imagination and empathy.