A'film'is'a'work'of'visual'art'that'simulates'experiences'and'otherwise'communicates'ideas,'stories,'perceptions,'emotions,'or'atmosphere'through'the'use'of'moving'images'that'are'generally,'since'the'1930s,'synchronized'with'sound'and'some'times'using'other'sensory'stimulations.

Films'are'produced'by'recording'actual'people'and'objects'with'cameras'or'by'creating'them'using'animation'techniques'and'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.

Films'are'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.