Each of us recognizes the importance and the significant role of cinema in directing the behavior of individuals, and enhancing their social and ethical values, as it is one of the most effective arts in shaping the human mind and influencing it because it serves as a cultural and cognitive tool. It can be directed as a means for guidance and cultural enlightenment, given its power in effecting change and making a difference. Stanley Kubrick said: "The task of cinema is to reshape the surrounding reality, not to create a new reality." Cinema is the easiest and fastest way to convey information and knowledge due to its impact on the minds. A single cinematic shot, even if it is a silent still, is worth thousands of written words.
Undoubtedly, cinema has contributed to shaping legal awareness and directing public opinion by addressing societal issues that affect human dignity, freedom, and the right to a decent life, issues overlooked by legislation, thereby prompting decision-makers to change and amend these laws to align with the demands of the modern era. It doesn’t make sense that a law issued in a previous period based on a reality that was suitable at that time should be applied today. There are many examples of Arabic films that have contributed to changing many unjust laws by highlighting community issues, such as the movie ("I Want a Solution") in 1975 featuring Faten Hamama and Rushdi Abaza, which led to the modification of the personal status law concerning women’s rights to determine their fate, and their freedom, and their right to separate from their husbands; and the film ("They Made Me a Criminal") in 1954 starring: Farid Shawqi and Huda Sultan, which also led to the law providing for the erasing of the first criminal record of the crime committed by the person, enabling them to start their lives afresh without any obstacles. From international cinema, the film ("The Snake Pit") contributed to alerting 26 U.S. states to issue legal legislation providing better treatment and attention for those suffering from mental illnesses, and improving the conditions surrounding them health-wise; and the film ("Rosetta") which highlighted the struggles of teens looking for work and the low wages they were earning for that work resulting in a subsequent amendment to the labor law in Belgium.
Not only this, but cinema has also played its role in environmental preservation and increasing awareness of pollution issues through films that dealt with environmental pollution like the movie ("Erin Brokovich") starring (Julia Roberts), based on a true story of a woman who came across documents proving a major energy company's involvement in contaminating drinking water in her town, resulting in a legal lawsuit against the company; and the movies that addressed environmental issues like the film ("Michael Clayton") starring (George Clooney) and the film ("A Civil Action") starring (John Travolta).
Thus, cinema is no longer just a relationship between two parties: the viewer seeking enjoyment and entertainment, and the filmmakers concerned with box office figures and material profit; rather, it has evolved beyond that to undertake noble tasks in shaping societal awareness and illuminating humanitarian and environmental issues, and contributing solutions through influencing public opinion which plays a role in exerting pressure on decision-makers for better change.
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