Film is a term that encompasses motion pictures as individual projects, as well as — in metonymy — the field in general. The origin of the name comes from the fact that photographic film (also called filmstock) has historically been the primary medium for recording and displaying motion pictures. Many other terms exist — motion pictures (or just pictures or "picture"), the silver screen, photoplays, the cinema, picture shows, flicks — and commonly movies.

Films are produced by recording actual people and objects with cameras, or by creating them using animation techniques and/or special effects. They comprise a series of individual frames, but when these images are shown rapidly in succession, the illusion of motion is given to the viewer. Flickering between frames is not seen due to an effect known as persistence of vision — whereby the eye retains a visual image for a fraction of a second after the source has been removed. Also of relevance is what causes the perception of motion; a psychological effect identified as beta movement.

Film is considered by many to be an important art form; films entertain, educate, enlighten and inspire audiences. The visual elements of cinema need no translation, giving the motion picture a universal power of communication. Any film can become a worldwide attraction, especially with the addition of dubbing or subtitles that translate the dialogue. Films are also artifacts created by specific cultures, which reflect those cultures, and, in turn, affect them.

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NEWS.com.au | Victoria

'Greedy' pair convicted over AFL medical files
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:07:00 -0000
A COUPLE who sold the confidential medical records of two AFL players to Channel 7 have told a court the reporter told them the documents would make his career.
Mokbel's wonky wig linked to car tycoon
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:36:00 -0000
THE lop-sided wig Tony Mokbel wore when arrested in Athens has been traced car service tycoon and racehorse owner Sean Buckley.
Plane lands in paddock, then flips
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:44:00 -0000
A LIGHT plane on its way back from a medical clinic has made an emergency landing in a paddock in north-western Victoria.
Fairfax columnists say 'sack us too'
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:16:00 -0000
COLUMNISTS for Fairfax newspapers say management will have to sack them to if fellow contributor Mike Carlton is not reinstated.
Solariums ordered to post cancer warning
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:37:00 -0000
SOLARIUMS will be forced to post signs warning customers they risk developing skin cancer if they want a tan.
Journos call for public to rally
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:59:00 -0000
A PUBLIC rally will be staged from 2.30pm (AEST) today outside the offices of Fairfax Media's The Age newspaper in Melbourne, unions say.
Armed bandit terrorises beauty salons
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:51:00 -0000
AN armed robber has embarked on a week-long reign of terror at a number of beauty and tanning salons across Melbourne's inner-north.
AFL medical file thieves convicted
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:54:00 -0000
TWO people who stole the private medical records of AFL players have been have been convicted and placed on good behaviour bonds.
Princess drops in on children's charity
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:55:00 -0000
STAFF at a Melbourne charity enjoyed a special treat this morning when Denmark's Crown Princess Mary popped in for a visit.
Taxi driver bashed unconscious
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:02:00 -0000
A TAXI driver assaulted in Melbourne's west has been admitted to Sunshine Hospital.

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