The Feature Film as a Vehicle for Disseminating Principles of Conflict Resolution

Abstract

In modern societies, feature films play a profound role in the formation of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. The mainstream entertainment media industry currently relies heavily on methods of dehumanising the other and glorifying violence, which nurtures a fear of the other and a belief in the legitimacy of violence as a means of resolving conflict. This article argues that the opposite, nurturing a belief in universal humanity and the efficacy of peaceful alternatives to violence, can be achieved by modelling such behaviours, beliefs and attitudes in mainstream film. The resulting films would be ‘humanising' as opposed to ‘dehumanising' and thus constitute a positive contribution to society. Deconstructing the necessary elements of ‘successful' mainstream films, the author further suggests that humanising films have the potential to be more successful than dehumanising films because they resonate on a deeper level with audiences. Providing specific suggestions of how to develop humanising elements within films, this article is an initial step towards establishing a framework for transferring conflict resolution's advanced knowledge of conflict dynamics to professionals in the film industry.