The audience’s shared perception of symbols in movies based on the theory of innate symbolism of Shahid Avini

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Olfat Negin; Shahbazi Ramtin; Jalilvand Khosravi Masoud

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Journal Paper

Paper Information

Journal: Culture-Communication Studies Year:2025 | Volume:26 | Issue:70 (مسلسل 102) Page(s): 251-280

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Title

The audience’s shared perception of symbols in movies based on the theory of innate symbolism of Shahid Avini

Author(s)

Olfat Negin | Shahbazi Ramtin | Jalilvand Khosravi Masoud | Issue Writer Certificate

Keywords

Innate Symbolism

perfect man

religious cinema

Transcendental Cinema

Avini

Abstract

This study explores the impact of innate symbols on cinema audiences, analyzing viewer responses based on Shahid Morteza Avini’s theory of Innate Symbolism. Avini’s approach to symbolism in art suggests that certain symbols resonate deeply with human nature due to their connection to intrinsic human disposition and divine nature. These symbols possess a unique capacity to convey profound spiritual truths, making them universally understandable across different cultures and times. This research aims to assess how such symbols influence audiences and communicate spiritual ideals through cinematic works.Background and Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in Avini’s Innate Symbolism theory, which underscores the spiritual power of symbols closely aligned with humanity’s divine essence. Avini’s theory differs from Western approaches, which often emphasize constructed meanings; he argues that innate symbols tap into humanity’s natural disposition toward the divine (fitrah), making them universally relevant. This universal appeal allows innate symbols to evoke moral truths, inspiring audiences to reflect on fundamental human values such as courage, humility, and sacrifice. Objectives and Methodology: The research seeks to assess how innate symbols in cinema influence audiences and communicate ethical ideals central to Avini’s philosophy, with particular emphasis on the Perfect Human ideal. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study focuses on three films by Iranian director Ebrahim Hatamikia—The Bodyguard, Che, and Damascus Time—which prominently feature themes aligned with Avini’s ideals. These films were selected due to their use of symbolism to illustrate universal virtues and their narratives that deeply resonate with Avini’s spiritual and ethical principles. Data were gathered through a combination of semi-structured interviews and surveys administered to diverse audience samples. The selected respondents viewed the films in controlled settings, allowing for focused analysis of their reactions and interpretations. By investigating how audiences interpret and respond to symbols such as self-sacrifice, bravery, and devotion within these films, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of innate symbols in conveying Avini’s ideal of the Perfect Human. Respondents were asked to reflect on the character traits, moral dilemmas, and symbolic representations presented, which allowed for a nuanced examination of how these elements influence audience perceptions of virtue and spiritual elevation.Findings: The findings reveal a significant alignment between the symbols recognized by the audience and the symbolic intentions embedded by the filmmakers. Viewers consistently identified core themes such as self-sacrifice, courage, spiritual devotion, and moral integrity as defining characteristics of the Perfect Human, corresponding closely with Avini’s portrayal of a spiritually anchored individual. These themes were not only recognized but often emotionally and morally internalized, indicating a deep resonance that transcended personal or cultural variation.Self-sacrifice, portrayed repeatedly across the films, was widely interpreted as a manifestation of moral commitment to a higher cause—whether national, religious, or spiritual. Audiences perceived these acts as expressions of transcendent purpose, elevating the characters beyond mere heroism to spiritual exemplarity. Courage was viewed not merely as physical bravery but as moral resilience, involving a steadfast commitment to truth and justice in the face of adversity. Such portrayals echoed Avini’s view that courage, when rooted in faith, becomes a divine attribute rather than a personal trait.Spiritual devotion emerged as a particularly potent symbol, with viewers describing characters’ inner struggles and faith-driven decisions as deeply moving and spiritually authentic. This reaction confirms Avini’s assertion that symbols of devotion activate a shared spiritual longing present across humanity. Likewise, humility was interpreted as an essential virtue, especially when represented through characters who avoided self-glorification, reflecting purity of intention and moral sincerity. These symbols functioned not as abstract ideals but as narrative forces that prompted viewers to reflect on their own moral choices and aspirations, generating deep introspection and ethical engagement.Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this research support Avini’s theory that innate symbols possess a unique power to convey spiritual and ethical values across cultural and individual boundaries. By focusing on symbols that are embedded within the structure of human nature, filmmakers can inspire audiences to connect with universal ideals and explore their capacity for moral and spiritual growth. The analysis of audience responses to Hatamikia’s films suggests that symbols such as self-sacrifice, humility, spiritual devotion, and moral courage are not only recognizable but deeply impactful, evoking a shared moral consciousness among viewers.This study thus underscores the potential of cinema as a transformative medium, one capable of transmitting Avini’s concept of the Perfect Human and fostering a unified moral imagination. It highlights how symbolic storytelling, when aligned with fitrah, can become a form of ethical pedagogy and spiritual engagement. Ultimately, this research affirms the enduring relevance of Avini’s theory of Innate Symbolism, offering valuable insights into the role of film in cultivating a deeper connection to transcendent truths and universal human values.

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