More Than Movies: What Film Studies Taught Me About the World
A DP Student’s Perspective When I first told people, I wanted to take Film Studies in the IB Diploma Programme, the reactions were mixed. Some thought it sounded exciting, while others immediately asked, “But what career will that lead to?” For a long time, I felt like subjects were supposed to fit into clear categories: practical or creative, serious or optional. Film Studies changed the way I thought about learning completely.
At Manchester, where I am currently pursuing my IBDP, I discovered that Film Studies is not just about watching
movies. It is about understanding stories, perspectives, emotions, culture, history, and even politics. Every film
carries a message, and learning how to analyse that message made me more observant about the world around
me.
One of the reasons I chose the subject was because films always stayed with me longer than textbooks did. A
documentary could make me think differently about climate change. A short film could explain loneliness better
than an essay. I realised that cinema has the power to influence people emotionally and intellectually at the same
time.
The IB Diploma Programme gave me the freedom to explore this interest seriously. In class, we discussed films
from different countries, genres, and time periods. We learned how camera angles, lighting, music, silence, and
editing shape emotions and meaning. Slowly, I stopped watching films only as entertainment. I began seeing
them as reflections of society.
What surprised me most was how much Film Studies improved my confidence and communication skills.
Presenting my analysis, creating storyboards, and discussing interpretations with classmates pushed me to express
ideas clearly and think critically. It also taught me to appreciate different viewpoints because every student
connected with films differently.
There were moments when balancing Film Studies with other DP subjects felt challenging, especially during
project deadlines. But those experiences taught me creativity under pressure and helped me manage my time
better. The subject became a space where I could think freely while still developing academic discipline.
Film Studies also changed how I see careers and success. Earlier, I thought education had to lead to one fixed
path. Now I understand that creative thinking, storytelling, media literacy, and communication are valuable in
many fields — from journalism and marketing to psychology, design, media, and entrepreneurship.
What I appreciate most about the IB at Manchester International School is that students are encouraged to pursue
subjects they genuinely connect with. The learning feels personal rather than forced. Teachers treat our ideas
seriously and encourage us to question, interpret, and create rather than simply memorize.
Choosing Film Studies was not just about choosing a subject. It was about choosing curiosity, creativity, and a
different way of understanding people and the world around me. And that, for me, has been one of the most
meaningful parts of the IB Diploma Programme.
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