Can a Film Really Make a Difference?

-->

This weeks blog post was inspires by an article link http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/03/using-moviemaking-to-change-the-world-both-inside-theaters-and-out/273716/

 posted by @MissionBostonPR.

  

This week’s blog is a fast growing trend that I believe with help shape social action in our society. In the last year several filmmakers have turned to documentaries in order “incite action” for a particular problem. The linked article covers 3 of the latest documentaries aimed at doing just that. However, they are doing more than making a movie.

One of the documentary films creators has partners with other organizations to put together an action plan and to raise money for that cause. So, not only are they spreading the word but they are also raising money to take action themselves. The film I am referencing is Girl Rising by the 10X10 group. The documentary pairs girls from the poorest countries with celebrated writers from their countries and follows how their lives are transformed by the ability to attend school. The film’s aim is to show society what educations itself could do for youth around the world if it was accessible. You can go to www.girlrising.com to see exactly what the project is about, where it is headed and to donate if your heart so desires.

A Place at The Table is another film dedicated to the hunger issues our country faces in some of the wealthiest places. Surprisingly this is a shock to some people and that is exactly what this film’s purpose is. You can check out their website at http://takepart.com/place-at-the-table. The website give a brief glimpse of the move and allows you to do a zip code search for programs in your area that are combating the issue of hunger in America. I actually enjoyed preview. It is going to be a film that I watch with my children, who are privileged, so that they have an idea of what is going on.

The third and final film listed in this article was the most touching to me. Its title Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Health Care says it all. This film shows how broken our actual healthcare system is and gives some insight on what we could potentially do to fix it. You can take a look at the preview and information on the film at www.escapefiremovie.com. In the future I aspire to be a doctor. Not because of the money but because of the care I can provide to the people of my community. That may sound strange to some but honestly I don’t need the money I sincerely just want to help. There are so many doctors out there that feel the same way but its not their choice. Take a look at the film and let me know what you think.

Overall this article was a pleasant surprise to me. Finally there are filmmakers that are more concerned with their message instead of profit. I hope one day these kind of films can hit the “big” screen and bring in more views than your average action flick. Maybe then people will get the message.