Abstract
The Czech film museum NaFilM is concerned with the strengthening of the educational potential of film history exposition, putting emphasis on the cognitive engagement of visitors. The aim is not an "explanatory mode" of the presentation of film history, typical of traditional film museums, but the testing of a constructive way of communication that develops open perception of connections and critical thinking.
Visitors are provoked to actively participate in a cognitive process through multimedia interfaces suitable to a wide intersection of cultures, ages and backgrounds. The structure of stimuli in exposition guides them to an extended perception of film, or even better cinema as a fascinating social complex, through the context of visual culture and changes in society.
One of the aims of the work-in-progress concept of the film museum (which is being tested continually through short-term interactive exhibitions) is to question borders of contemporary film perception and to unfold film - a historical variety of its roles, functions and diverse forms - in front of the visitors. Manifestations of the medium in a rich contextual background provide the source for direct and evocative cognitive situations which encourage the visitor casually to reflect and make new conceptual links.
The conceived exhibitions try to cover film practices anchored in history and thus unnoticed by incoming audience members, and to "materialize" elusive manifestations of the medium within a series of multisensory experiences. If it succeeds in making audiences aware of the myriad manifestations of the film medium, the film museum can be a great force for the development of public media literacy.