Abstract
This chapter examines the representation of migration by cinema, particularly focusing on the period after the collapse of the Soviet Union when migration movements from Central Asia to Russia intensified. Migration presents various challenges for individuals and communities, making it essential to consider cinema as a critical lens to understand migrant experiences, identity formation, and integration. The chapter aims to evaluate how migration is depicted in films and its association with migrant experiences. Using a comprehensive film analysis method, the study delves into the difficulties faced by individuals migrating from Central Asia to Russia during this period, emphasizing the importance of comparing cinematic representations with methodologies used in social sciences and cultural studies to comprehensively grasp the experiences and challenges of migrants.
TopThe Complexity Of Migration: Problems And Suggestions
Today, there is not yet a general theory explaining the phenomenon of migration. The main reason for this deficiency is the diversity of factors leading to migration (Gezgin, 2011). In general migration is the movement of individuals, families, or communities from one place to another. This movement usually takes place for geographical, economic, social, cultural, or political reasons. Migration occurs as a result of human mobility and usually aims to improve the living conditions of individuals.
According to Castles, de Haas, and Miller (2014), migration is generally divided into two internal and external migration. Internal migration is the movement of individuals or communities from one region to another within their own country. This type of migration usually takes place in search of economic opportunities, job opportunities, or better living conditions. External migration is the movement of individuals or communities from one country to another. This type of migration is usually caused by political instability, war, natural disasters, or economic reasons.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Identity Formation: The process of shaping an individual's identity through experiences, relationships, and cultural influences, which can be influenced by migration.
Representation: The portrayal or depiction of migration phenomena, experiences, and challenges in various media forms, including cinema.
Integration: The process by which immigrants become accepted into society, involving the establishment of social relationships and the adoption of cultural norms and values of the host country.
Migration: The movement of individuals, families, or communities from one place to another due to various reasons such as geographical, economic, social, or political factors.
Cultural Studies: An interdisciplinary field that examines the ways in which culture creates and transforms individual experiences, everyday life, social relations, and power structures.
Soviet Union: A former federal union of 15 constituent republics, primarily located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, that existed from 1922 to 1991.
Central Asia: A region in Asia that includes five former Soviet republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Migrant Experience: T he unique set of challenges, experiences, and perspectives faced by individuals or communities who have migrated from one place to another.