Every town, every city and every nation in the world has its own identity. This identity is formed by language, way of life, rituals, script, food and drink, clothing, festivals, arts and daily habits. The sum of all these is called culture. Culture is a picture of the past, present and future of man that changes with time, but its foundation always remains connected.
For centuries, man has used different methods to convey his thoughts to others. Sometimes gestures, sometimes songs, sometimes pictures, sometimes writing, sometimes dialogues. When technology advanced, the means of storytelling also changed. It became easier to tell and show stories through theater, cinema, radio, TV and now the Internet. In these modern forms, film and drama have proven to be the most effective.
The relationship between story and culture
The tradition of storytelling is in human nature. In ancient times, people used to sit around the fire and tell stories. Elders used to tell children stories of bravery, love, sacrifice and honesty. The characters in these stories are both real and fictional, but in all of them, a reflection of the society from which they were born is definitely visible.
Film and drama are a new form of storytelling. A story is presented with dialogues, scenes, acting, lighting and music. This makes the viewer feel the joy, sorrow, struggle and achievements of the characters. The thinking, values and lifestyle of a nation are revealed through the story.
Films and dramas as historical documents
Old films and dramas are records of that era. In them, the designs of clothes, house plans, the shape of markets, car models and the relationships between people are all visible. For example, if you look at Pakistani films of the sixties and seventies, simple life, family system and taste for music are prominent.
Old films from India, Iran, Turkey, Egypt and other countries are also picture books of their own time. They show what the problems, dreams and achievements of the people of that time were. Thus, this content not only entertains but also preserves a part of history.
Social Issues and Message
Good dramas do not just tell stories but also show social truths. Feudal attitudes, class differences, women's issues, children's education, lack of health, the search for justice—all these themes are included in dramas and films.
Some old dramas of Pakistan like "Waris", "Aanch" and "Dhop Kiner" are still remembered today because they created awareness in the society. Similarly, there have been works all over the world that have become a means of changing people's minds.
Preservation of language and dialect
Language is the basis of culture. Films and dramas work to keep the language alive. The words, idioms and dialects used in the dialogues are embedded in the minds of the viewers.
Urdu dramas have not only popularized pure Urdu but also Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Balochi dialects. Similarly, programs from other countries also introduce their languages on a global scale.
Cultural exchange and closeness
When a film or drama from one country is seen in another country, the people there get a glimpse of that society. Turkish dramas "Ertugrul" and "Mera Sultan" gained immense popularity in Pakistan. They introduced Turkish history, clothing, food and traditions.
Similarly, Pakistani dramas are seen in the Gulf countries, India and other places and create interest there. This increases understanding and closeness between different nations.
Impact on lifestyle
The fashion and style shown on the screen quickly become popular among the common people. If an actor's dress or hair style is special in a successful film, the same design immediately starts selling in the market.
Similarly, the furniture of the houses shown in the dramas, the choice of colors and the style of eating and drinking also affect people. Thus, films and dramas become a means of change in daily life.
Blend of reality and imagination
Although films and dramas are connected to reality, they also include imagination. Sometimes, to make the story interesting, some things are exaggerated. This may slightly change the true form of the culture, but creative freedom makes it more attractive.
Impact on future culture
Today's plays and films will be part of the memories and habits of tomorrow's people. The new generation will judge its past from these stories. Therefore, it is important that filmmakers and writers keep truth, seriousness and sincerity in their work so that this material becomes a positive reference in the coming time.
Summary
Films and plays are not just entertainment but a complete cultural mirror. They preserve the past, show the present and influence the future. They bring language, fashion, lifestyle and values to the masses, bring different nations closer and become a means of changing social attitudes.