When we talk about the societal impact of films we mean that movies are a persuasive artform that can entertain, educate and inspire people to take action. As an art form that combines visual storytelling with sound, film has the unique ability to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire action.
Films play a significant role in both mirroring and influencing the world around us. It’s a powerful tool that can portray social issues, explore historical events, or create new cultural norms.
The societal impact of films spans several areas, including cultural development, social awareness, individual behavior, and political discourse. For the latter, they can help shape public opinion, foster a sense of responsibility towards urgent issues, and can ultimately, change policy and laws.
This type of entertainment has the power to change how we engage with the world around us. When great entertainment meets societal impact initiatives, a film can bring overdue conversations into the public discourse. It can make it much easier to get viewers to consider new information or perspectives they wouldn’t otherwise have the willingness to consider. For example, when movies show real-life struggles through compelling narratives, they evoke empathy and create awareness about important societal problems.
Where can we find the societal impact of films?
Films can reflect contemporary cultural, political, and social dynamics. Filmmakers depict the world around them in their stories. An example is films like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), that tackled interracial marriage during a time when such relationships were taboo, in times of the civil rights movement.
Films help us understand how societies have evolved over time. 12 Years a Slave (2013) or Selma (2014) examine the cultural and political battles that have shaped major historical events, such as slavery and the civil rights movement in the United States. Thanks to movies, these topics remain part of cultural conversation and encourage reflection and education.
Films shape societal trends and influence public behavior. Fashion in films often sparks real-world trends. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) made Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress a fashion staple. Similarly, films can popularize slang or catchphrases that enter everyday conversations.
Films provide a platform for underrepresented voices. They promote inclusivity and diversity by offering representation to marginalized groups. Moonlight (2016) and The Farewell (2019), for example, showcase the lives of people from underrepresented communities, encouraging viewers to empathize with perspectives different from their own.
Films foster understanding between people of different backgrounds, and challenges stereotypes. Movies like The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), The Blind Side (2009), and A Beautiful Mind (2001) show audiences the struggles and triumphs of individuals facing challenges that may be seem distant to their lives, allowing them to experience life through someone else’s eyes. Also, while past films often perpetuated racial, gender, or class-based stereotypes, modern cinema increasingly seeks to challenge these, offering nuanced portrayals of characters who don’t fit into traditional molds.
Documentary films can have a massive impact on social movements. An Inconvenient Truth (2006) raised global awareness about climate change, leading to widespread discussions and increased activism on environmental issues. By telling the stories of people and issues who are often overlooked or misunderstood, documentaries have the power to humanize complex issues and help in creating lasting change.
Political films can raise political awareness about various topics. Movies can raise awareness about important issues, change public perceptions, and inspire activism. Films like Norma Rae (1979), which addresses labor union struggles, or Philadelphia (1993), which highlights the HIV/AIDS crisis and LGBTQ rights, had undeniable societal impact. These films gave voice to marginalized groups and ignited conversations about topics that were often underrepresented or misunderstood.
Films also serve as political propaganda. In history, both democratic and authoritarian governments have used film as propaganda. During World War II, the U.S. government produced films like Why We Fight to rally public support for the war effort. In contrast, authoritarian regimes have often used cinema to control public perception, such as Nazi Germany’s use of films to spread anti-Semitic ideologies.
Films can also promote cultural diversity. As cinema is a global phenomenon, movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and Parasite (2019) have helped bring international cinema to a global audience, introducing viewers to stories from different cultures, languages, and traditions. These films promote a greater understanding of the complexities of different societies and encourage cultural exchange and appreciation.
