Films for a Bigger Purpose

Societal problem films topics such as foreclosure crisis, women’s rights, the immigrant experience and homelessness are the most popular in our present time. It is made very entertaining and more emotional by the use of drama. These topics are what make a film very popular due to the majority of the people who can relate towards the film. Audience do not want feel as if they are being lectured, but are being informed of what is happening in our society Olsen explained in Los Angeles Times. But how can your film be unique from other films?

Our society today faces a lot of problems, some of which are too small to be heard by authorities. Other problems can be seen but are not given as much attention by authorities. That is why societal problems when conveyed by a film are very interesting and enticing to the audience, for they feel like the film is their voice for the authorities who has the power to help them hear their situation and act upon it. Adrian Acosta a film enthusiast talked about his experience in watching societal films “When I watch films that cover societal problems, sometimes I become aware for the first time to the point I always wonder why did that happen and what could be the solution for it.” Which makes a film very interesting towards the audience, for it enables them to think and understand the deeper message of the film and learn from it. But how can a societal problem be put into a film?

There are three parts in making a film - first is the Pre-Production. This is where the ideas are extracted, and where the concept of the film, its story, plot, and dialogues are made. Basically pre-production is where the film is being made out nothing. This process is also where the societal problem and story are mixed, which is very crucial. One should think of how to educate its viewers in an entertaining way.

Mhonver Lopez director of PINA explained “As the director of this film, I want the people to see how we continually causing the damage to our country (Pina). Every Filipino person has the contribution why our country is part of the developing country or what we all know as the 3rd world country. From poverty to the corruption even how the other country see our country, it’s because of us, the Filipino who do not know how to follow simple rules, do not know how to follow the correct process. I use Pina as the main character of the story who represents the Filipino People, as the voice of the people of this society who are tired of everything that is happening around us. By doing this, you’re giving your audience the ability to hear the things that they cannot say on public. The thing that they want to say to our government or even to the people who colonized us and destroyed our identity and dignity us a Filipino. Pina, the voice of Filipino People.”

Audiences love it when they can relate into a film. It is as if they are the ones who are in the film, the more the audience is attached to the story, the more they are interested on watching. That is why Pre-production is very important, it is the turning point of the whole film, that is why extreme creativity is a key. But with so many societal problem how can you choose the best one for a film?

Mary Vincent Peña a director of a short film entitled Dimasalang which tackles a societal problem stated. “The societal problem I wanted to address is the subconscious caste system in the Philippines. Dimasalang means 'untouchable'. This has two sides. One side of it is the untouchable of the higher class and the government. Nobody touches them because nobody has the power to even do so. The other side is the untouchable of the lower class. Nobody touches them because nobody wants to. Nobody wants to listen to their stories because they're irrelevant in this society. I wanted to give a voice to those who are unheard and show that this caste system is very real.” Ms. Peña in her film choosed the societal problem to help those who are in need, and voice out their situation.

Film in our present time is one of the most popular media used to convey a message towards the audience in a entertaining way. In 2014, the total number of frequent moviegoers (people who went to a movie at the cinema once a month or more) increased by 1.2 million (3%). The distribution of the increase was not evenly spread. The number of frequent moviegoers increased or remained flat among 40+ age groups, but fell or remained constant for younger age groups, including the largest frequent-moviegoing age groups (18-24 year olds and 25-39 year olds) stated in the Theatrical Market Statistic 2014. That is why film is a very powerful media for it reach and influence millions.

Therefore for a film to be interesting is that it must have a message that the audience can clearly understand. Concepts that are relatable for them to feel the emotion of the film, and its tackles societal problem, which can educate the viewers. By choosing the right topic and style, a film can be very educative and entertaining simultaneously. Use film for a much bigger purpose, and it will make a better world.

Reference:

• Olsen, M. (2015, September 03). Filmmakers tackling social issues keep it real but also entertaining. Retrieved November 07, 2017, from http://beta.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-ca-mn-sneaks-social-issues-20150906-story.html

• 2017, “Societal problem films”, Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times.

Theatrical Market Statistic 2014 [PDF]. (2014). Motion Picture Association of America, Inc.