As a visual medium, films have a powerful impact on people. Because their films can overtly and subtly influence people's thinking, filmmakers have a great responsibility to their audiences. When they watch a movie, people tend to identify with the characters they see on screen. They "feel" with the characters and experience the highs and lows of the characters’ lives. Films have the power to change people's beliefs, opinions, and even values. People, especially young people, tend to look up to the protagonists they see on screen. They imitate their appearance, behavior, and actions. People may even change their political stance after watching a movie.
Movies can be a starting point for a discussion or a debate. Movies give people a glimpse into the lives of people who may be of a different background or race. They can thus create empathy and a sense of bonding. They also show that although a group of people may be living in different place, their human problems, hopes, and challenges are often similar. Movies are often inspiring. Biographical movies often inspire people to deal with their life's challenges or to take up a cause. Many people relate to history better through movies than from books. Movies help people get a sense of their identity.
Movies can change mindsets. For example, Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's A Girl in the River created awareness about the practice of honor killing in Pakistan. The movie moved the Prime Minister so much that he committed to the filmmaker that he would bring about a change in existing laws.
Plato