Film language is a complex tapestry of visual and audio elements interwoven in intricate sequences, revealing a dynamic expression of emotion, meaning, and depth.

Let's look at what it means to be literate in reading a film.

Reading film is a fundamental skill in the study of IB Film. 

This incorporates the ability to critically analyze and interpret the meaning and messages conveyed through cinematic elements as they build meaning towards the themes and emotional quality of the film as well as to the greater culture and society. According to the IB Film Curriculum guide, reading film involves understanding and identifying the various components and techniques used in films to communicate ideas, emotions, and themes.

In order to effectively read a film, you must develop a knowledge of film language and an understanding of how it creates meaning in a film.

This includes identifying film elements included in things like mise-en-scène, lighting, and sound design and interpreting this language as they become symbols for greater themes, emotions, and ideas. By analyzing these elements, you can gain insight into how filmmakers craft their stories and engage with audiences.

The process of reading film in the IB Film Curriculum is not limited to passive observation but also emphasizes active engagement and reflection.

You are encouraged to develop your own inferences and analysis as to how the films create meaning.  In your own work, you will formulate personal intentions, apply your analysis of films from various cultural contexts, and reflect upon your own successes and limitations.  In this way, the reflection becomes a critical part of your cycle of reading films and considering how your own films will be read.

In this section, we will look at some ways that you can begin the journey of reading, understanding, and analyzing film.

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