Pablo Picasso once said, “Everything you can imagine is real. Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” The quote from Picasso suggests that most people are imaginative during childhood but lose their imagination as they grow older. While anyone can imagine, a child’s imagination is often more vivid and profound than an adult’s because they don’t set any boundaries when they imagine. Sadly, the influence of capitalism has turned many of us into mere machines, constantly waiting for the next order. This leaves little room for imagination and creativity. However, the movie “The Imagination of a Child” challenges this notion and demonstrates how a child’s imagination can flourish.

The Imagination of a Child” is a story about a young girl with a vivid imagination. The film begins with the girl waking up, going about her morning routine, and then drawing shapes on a piece of paper. Abruptly, the scene shifts to show a man working hard to weld metal items, appearing content in his work. The setting changes again, this time to Venice, where the girl is exploring the city with her family, still carrying her drawing. She accidentally drops the paper, which is picked up and returned to her by the man from the earlier scene. As he returns the paper, it’s revealed that the girl’s drawing has inspired a real-life structure that she’s now observing.

The film creatively explores the dynamic between a young girl’s imagination and an adult man’s ability to bring her ideas to life. It highlights the importance of imagination and emphasizes the unique perspective that children bring to the table. The use of an adult male as the executor adds an interesting twist, as it challenges the traditional notion that only men are the ones who bring ideas to fruition. This unique approach adds depth to the film and provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between imagination and execution. The film shows that a girl thinks and a man executes. A complete deviation from the usual norm where we often get to see that a man imagines and another man executes. This aspect gives the film a new angle.

The film has no dialogues; each scene is separated by some text. It’s evident that the director, Cesar Catania, wanted to communicate with the audience through those texts. Catania himself is an artist, a painter, and sculptor, so he understands the mind of an artist. Adding a child into the story, he has given a fresh perspective. The film celebrates the idea of exploring a child’s imagination. Despite the narrative storytelling approach, the film offers something new and fresh for everyone, maintaining the innocence of a child and the tenacity of a young adult. The protagonist is a girl, emphasizing the importance of a girl in our patriarchal society. Cesar made the film with the intention of telling a story of a child in a simple manner, and I think he has achieved it successfully. He is also the screenwriter of the film, meaning he had complete control over the story.

The actors in the film, including Cesar himself, have performed their roles exceptionally well. Christine Fernando, who played the girl child, is outstanding as an idea maker. Her innocence and simplicity have made the film poignant and touching. In other roles, Peshala Madhumali Naththandige, who played the girl’s mother, has made a strong presence on the screen. Cesar, who played the role of a sculptor, has also made a vibrant impact on the screen. His hands-on experience as a sculptor acted as a catalyst for his role.

Since the film contains no dialogues, it heavily relies on its music. The music creates various moods throughout the film and subtly completes it. Its seamless integration with the story not only simplifies the narrative but also helps convey the film’s message.

The movie leaves a lasting impression. Despite showcasing a child’s imagination, it appeals to everyone. It stays with you long after watching. Therefore, I would give the film 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend taking just 14 minutes out of your busy schedule to watch the film and brighten up your mood.