Throughout the decades, my film watching has changed a lot, but I believe it has been the same with all of us. Before the advent of internet, I saw the classic films being broadcast on TV and I loved, but I had no way to have further access them, not only because of the era but also because I was too young. Sure, we could rent films, but they were mostly the most recent blockbusters and there was not too much variety.
On the other hand, I was lucky enough to be a child in an era when it was not unusual open TV channels show classic films, especially at the end of year. So, despite living in a pre internet era, I did have an introduction to old films. I can still remember my fascination by Bette Davies and Greta Garbo and how I loved their films. I also remember how wonderful it was to watch Mary Poppins at Christmas time. I even watched on TV when I was 13 years old some famous silent comedies by Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. The seed of a passion was planted in my heart.
Then, time passed, internet came and it has changed the way we consume culture. Nowadays we can check the synopsis of films in IMDB, order DVDs even of the most obscure films, write our opinions about films in social media, blogs, sites, etc. I do not underestimate the era when we had to wait until TV channels show the films we like, but it is simply priceless to have legal access to so many things.
In my teens, I thought that I did not like films at all because I did not have easy access to films I really liked. Throughout my formative years I listened to lots of music, but did not watch films regularly, often not at all. It is a pity, but I see it as an inevitable consequence of the era. When I could access all films I have wanted I realized that I had lots of catch up to do, lots of great work to know. It took me plenty of years until I became at least a little less ignorant when it comes to cinema.
Hobbies are something quite particular. In some eras of our lives we are more inclined to do some stuff than others. Sometimes we are more into music, in other times we are more into films, etc. But it is a joy brought by the internet that we can search, research and get more knowledgeable in any subject we like, we just need to be willing to do it. This is a free, independent, relaxing way to spend our free time and nowadays mental sanity is something we should take the best care of. Positive hobbies definitely help in this aspect.
Thus, although I did not watch too many films in my youth, it was in this time when it was sowed the seeds of my passion for films. I could not go deep into it, but once I had the opportunity I definitely used it to my benefit. I never forgot the type of films that pleased me, even many years later. With the current exposure we have to culture, it is nice to take a look and see which cultural activities interest us most. Check if you like to do things at home or out of it, if you are more active or if you prefer to sit down, etc. and I’m sure that with only a little self knowledge you can find the hobby that will fit you most.
Silent Beauties 
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