Through genuine representation and careful craftsmanship, films could spark change, scholars say
Films transcend entertainment to mobilize individuals, said Brent Cowley, an assistant professor in BYU–Hawaii’s Faculty of Arts & Letters. Beyond business, entertainment and education, film is also a call to action; a mirror of society; and an instrument for change, according to him. From stories that confront social issues to narratives tackling environmental crises, he emphasized how films have long shaped minds and stirred social movements. He and other scholars said it is through genuine representation that films could transform individuals.
Echoing Cowley’s perspective, Yifen Beus, associate academic vice president for the Faculty of Arts & Letters, said films can simultaneously entertain and mobilize. “These two aspects do not preclude the other,” she said. A talented and skilled filmmaker, she said, can entertain the audience while inspiring action through effective storytelling techniques. She said films raise awareness just as newspapers, television and other forms of mass communication do. “It has the capacity to reach a broad audience, as social and political issues are often embedded in film narratives and strategies,” she explained.
According to Cowley, movements such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, feminism and climate activism are recognized today because they feel modern. But he said looking back at the beginning of cinema will reveal the origins of these same movements. “There were particular studios committed to social issues. Warner Bros. in the ‘30s dealt with race and minority groups through their films, namely ‘I’m a Member of a Chain Gang’ and ‘Grapes of Wrath,’” he shared. Cowley also cited 20th Century Fox under the leadership of Daryl F. Zanuck during the ‘50s as an example, with films such as “Gentleman’s Agreement.” “These themes are constant, and we can trace them through film’s history. What we see now is not new,” he said.
Cowley said films that highlight social movements are powerful because audiences tend to feel deeply connected with films that speak to their experiences. However, he added that the current generation tends to approach social issues differently than those in the past. “Social movements come in waves, and I think audiences engage with these causes based on what they already know and care about,” Cowley explained. Despite the shift in generational values, he said he believes audiences today can connect with older films just as much as they do with contemporary ones.
Social movements come in waves, and I think audiences engage with these causes based on what they already know and care about.
To cultivate that connection, Cowley said representation is needed. “If a story doesn’t come off as genuine, people are going to catch on, which could cause some backlash,” he stated. When films closely reflect the realities of topics like race, gender and sexuality, he said viewers are more likely to respond. “It might inspire them to avoid a film entirely or even boycott an entire studio,” he shared. Representation, he added, goes beyond just entertainment because it fosters empathy.
Meanwhile, Beus said representation can vary in meaning, depending on the genre, filmmaking style and how effectively a film’s elements work together. “These factors can affect how successfully a film represents people and ideas,” she explained. Filmmakers, for her, are communicators as much as they’re artists and storytellers. “Filmmakers need to be conscious of the impact their work will have on audiences. This is where ethics and responsibilities come in,” she explained. She said raising awareness while avoiding harmful stereotypes depends on a filmmaker’s background, training, sensitivity and storytelling skills.
Cowley said he understands filmmakers can often feel a sense of responsibility to address pressing issues through their work. “Responsibility is a strong word,” he said, “but if a filmmaker feels the drive to tell a story, they should go for it.” Still, he warned that films lacking in authenticity could come off as overly political and divisive. “Sometimes, even with the best intentions, it’s possible to achieve an opposite effect, making it worse,” he explained.
Addressing this grey area, Cowley noted the risks involved in depicting real-life issues on screen. “There are risks in casting, storytelling and representation—it’s a sensitive matter,” he shared. Cowley said “not everyone will understand the urgency of social issues in the same way.” Although he acknowledges the importance of understanding films that address these issues, he said “it’s just as important to understand that just because you feel strongly about a message doesn’t mean everyone else will.”
He also cautioned against the cognitive bias that may result in pushing urgent topics. “If you push too hard, even with a message people normally agree with, it can backfire,” he explained. For him, not all forms of activism should be given equal weight. He said careful thought must be given in deciding which causes to amplify.
Additionally, Beus said it is the director’s choice and responsibility to balance creativity and risk. “They have to measure how far they are willing to go and gauge the strategies to use in achieving their goals,” she explained.
Ultimately, Cowley said films can always make a difference, especially with its presence across different platforms such as theaters, online streaming or social media. “It’s the combination of all these platforms that gives film the power to connect with viewers and move them to action,” he shared.
Black lives matter
According to the Landmark School website, Black Lives Matter means Black people’s lives matter just as much as any other—not more, not less. The phrase draws attention to systemic ways Black lives have been denied respect and equality throughout U.S. history, says the website. The movement, it continues, highlights racism, discrimination and racial injustice.
Movie that portrays the movement:
Just Mercy (2019)
According to the Equal Justice Initiative website, “Just Mercy” is a film that tackles America’s broken criminal justice system, especially towards people of color. The film talks about racism, inequality, injustice and redemption. As Bryan Stevenson, the protagonist played by Michael B. Jordan, combats systemic inequality in the nation, he learns how to defend people who deserve freedom. “Just Mercy” was directed by Destin Cretton.
#metoo
The #MeToo movement was founded by Tarana Burke in 2006. According to the Me Too website, it was trending on most social media platforms in 2017, especially Twitter (now known as X), to expose the scale of sexual violence, particularly against women in workplaces and everyday life.
Movie that portrays the movement:
Promising Young Woman (2020)
According to Northern Light website, “Promising Young Woman” tackles the aftermath of sexual assault and the challenges victims go through when not taken seriously. As heavy as the topic is, according to the website, it stylistically addresses rape culture and internalized misogyny without directly naming them. “Promising Young Woman” is written and directed by Emerald Fennell.
Feminism
According to Study.com, feminism is the belief in equality between sexes. It aims to create equal opportunities and outcomes for women and men in all aspects of life. It is often divided into three waves: First wave tackles women’s suffrage and right to vote, second wave deals with women’s liberation and sexual freedom, and third wave addresses diversity and the intersectionality of identity.
Movie that portrays the movement:
Six Triple Eight (2024)
According to the Netflix website, “Six Triple Eight” tells the true story of an all-Black women’s battalion in the Army during World War II. These women served the country despite facing racism, sexism and grueling work conditions. The film portrays both second and third wave feminism by highlighting liberation and diversity. “Six Triple Eight” was directed by Tyler Perry.
Climate Activism
According to EcoWatch, climate activism unites people from all over the world to pressure national and business leaders to protect the world and safeguard a liveable future. It addresses and mitigates the effects of climate change through global efforts.
Movie that portrays the movement:
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
According to Yale Climate Connections, “The Day After Tomorrow” is a film that tackles the consequences of climate change and impact of activism. When the protagonist, a paleoclimatologist named Jack Hall, was dismissed by the United Nations (U.N.), the nation was brought to its knees by a catastrophic natural disaster. The film emphasizes the importance of promptly addressing environmental issues. “The Day After Tomorrow” was written and directed by Roland Emmerich.