USE OF THE FILM “WHERE DID THE SWALLOWS GO?” AS A STRATEGY FOR DISCUSSION ABOUT SINGLE HEALTH IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Critical reflection on pedagogical practices in higher education, especially in undergraduate Veterinary Medicine, is essential given the constantly evolving demands of contemporary society. The incorporation of cinematography in the educational context has a multidisciplinary character and highlights the aesthetic and educational value of cinema, enriching crucial discussions for the development of solid conceptual foundations for academic and professional life. The work presented here aims to constitute a reflection on the report of an academic experience using the film "Para onde foram as andorinhas?" as a pedagogical strategy to encourage discussions about One Health by undergraduate students entering the Veterinary Medicine course. The documentary film "Where did the swallows go?", directed by Mari Corrêa, was used as part of a pedagogical strategy that aimed to raise discussions about Single Health based on the narratives of the human and environmental crisis experienced by the indigenous peoples of the Xingu that were reported by the film. The documentary is part of the Mostra Ecofalante de Cinema catalogue, within the scope of the Programa Ecofalante Universidades. The analysis of the documentary and the students' guided discussion presented significant results. Academics have associated environmental issues with impacts on human, animal and cultural health of indigenous peoples. The collective discussion resulted in reflections on how human actions associated with fires and the use of agricultural pesticides can interfere with the dynamics of insects and animals, influence the water cycle and promote food insecurity and cultural loss among indigenous peoples. In view of the above, the pedagogical experience with "Para onde foram as andorinhas?" proved to be valuable, connecting theory and practice in an impactful way. Veterinary Medicine students, by becoming emotionally involved with the documentary's narratives, explored the interconnections between human, animal and environmental health, taking a leading role in their academic training in order to face the complex challenges of the profession.