Teologie en film – ’n aanvanklike verkenning

Abstract

Theology and film – an initial research
This article is about the study of Theology and film. The article argues the point that this study is vitally important for a Theology that is serious about the context. The study of Theology and films has taken flight in other countries but in South Africa it’s been largely ignored. The importance of the study in South Africa is twofold: Firstly the South African context is unique and therefore the study of film and Theology would be different in our own context. Secondly there are a growing number of South African films that normally aren’t covered in studies abroad. The study of film and Theology has endless possibilities, for example: What influence do films have on Spirituality in South Africa? How films tell us about the time we live in? To what extent do specific films stimulate theological and spiritual questions in the mind of the viewer? In what way do films function to give purpose and a sense of well-being to the viewer? What is the influence of films on the contemporary viewer’s idea of morality and ethics? These are but a few questions that need to be answered in the South African dialogue between films, Theology and our own context.