Films can't change the society; they can simply open the space for the discussion which can lead to social change and can start new forms of social activism.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
On the contrary a film can promote the idea of change without any political message whatsoever but in its form and language can tell people that they can change their lives and contribute to progressive changes in the world.
I've never been a part of a film before that offers such a platform into real issues, that raises social awareness and has the potential to change things.
I think that people who make films and think they're changing the world are sorely mistaken. If that really is your goal, there are far better ways to do it. I'm making politically observant films for audiences.
Now, I don't know whether a film can change the world, but I know that it starts - I know the power of it - I know that it starts people thinking about how to change the world.
Theater has an incredible capacity to move people to social change, to address issues, to inspire social revolution.
I think to many people the term 'activist film' implies a film with a single point of view - something designed to provoke outrage and urge action on a particular issue - sort of the film equivalent of a rally. 'If a Tree Falls' is not that kind of film.
No film should try to follow a trend, and do what film people think the public wants. There's no such thing as knowing what the public wants.
Movies, as evidenced by a chorus of protesting and celebrating Americans, influence broader trends.
Whether you think a film will affect society or it's plain entertainment, it's all excellent, it's all noble.
I don't know any form of art or entertainment that can affect people the way movies can. I know it sounds ridiculous, but they can change your world. They can change your views.