Numerous studies show that socially engaged cinema films can promote social transformation or ‘impact’ in the sense of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The topics, forms, and modes of impact of these films are very diverse, ranging from fictional films that are seen millions of times to documentaries for specific communities. Such films have the potential to inform people, move them through intense experiences, initiate collective action, change social discourses, and act as catalysts for structural change. They are often integrated into other activities, such as impact campaigns, discussions in educational contexts or screenings in political institutions. Organisations ranging from schools to NGOs use films in their work for environmental and climate protection, poverty reduction, human rights, equality or democratic participation.
However, the immense potential of film as a catalyst for positive transformation is far from being fully realised. In many countries, including Germany, socially engaged films often fail to reach their audiences and face numerous obstacles. There has been little systematic research into what these obstacles are, how they can be overcome, and how different types of films can have an impact. However, there is a great deal of practical knowledge in this area. Our project therefore brings together three sub-projects by researchers from the Film University Babelsberg (on theories of film impact, on discourse analysis of socially conscious films, and on structures of the film system) with practitioners from film production and distribution (AG DOK, AG Verleih , Jetzt & Morgen) as well as sustainability and transformation communication (Planet Narratives, Mission Wertvoll ). Our research group will jointly develop a comprehensive model of film strategies and impact pathways, create a solid overview of the discourses, forms and uses of socially engaged films in German-speaking countries, identify opportunities for their production and distribution, and derive concrete recommendations for action in film practice, cultural policy, and social organisations. Our aim is to improve the conditions and potential impact of films with social commitment and thus contribute to positive transformations in key areas of sustainability. In doing so, we are in dialogue with further partners, including the Good Media Network, the MaLisa Foundation, the Kern des Ganzen agency, the Film University's sustainability office, and colleagues at the Film University, Bournemouth University and several other institutions.
Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation as part of the funding initiative ‘Change! Fellowships and Research Groups’ funding initiative
Project participants
Researchers at the Film University:
Project leader: Prof Dr Jens Eder
Academic project members / doctoral students: Lillian Rosa
Co-PIs / practice partners:
Gesine Mannheimer and Saskia Vömel, Jetzt & Morgen GbR Management AG Verleih
Valentin Thurn, Executive Board AG DOK - Berufsverband Dokumentarfilm
Dr Nicole Zabel-Wasmuth, Planet Narratives in collaboration with Dr Maja Göpel, Mission Wertvoll