Film Benefits Families: Using the Screen to Foster Connection

Media has contributed positively and poorly to consumer health, and many times, the members of the connected world feel more disconnected than ever. As a creative medium, film works to benefit families amidst consumptive turmoil by providing a platform for inclusion, discussion, and togetherness. Film benefits families and encourages connection once again.

kids at the drive in — Film encourages familial togetherness and connection

Film Promotes Diverse Family Units

Across genres, films have become more inclusive in their portrayal of nontraditional family units, benefitting viewers and members of diverse homes. In normalizing chosen families, same-sex parenthood, biracial couples, and other diverse familial units, the members of these families feel seen by society, and therefore, more apt to experience confidence, empowerment, and wellbeing. In return, viewers from more traditional homes learn about perspectives different from their own, thus being more likely to educate themselves and act inclusively to those around them. Diversifying the home has extended additionally into gender equality, showcasing mothers with high-earning jobs, fathers staying home with their kids, and single parenthood to deconstruct ideologies typically formed around gender roles in the home.

Filmmakers have worked to promote inclusion in their media, altering perception around what constitutes as a “family” for the betterment of all. Working to increase acceptance and community, film benefits families by making each one a story worth watching.

Film Prompts Informed Discussion

Educational films and documentaries shown in the home spark curiosity in viewers. Filmmakers tackle controversial topics, outlier perspectives, and cultural moments, lending their art to be mentally stimulating and discussion-worthy. Opposed to short-form content or stuffy reports, films can divulge details and extensive research in an entertaining manner, engaging audiences of all ages and prompting questions that spark conversation in the home. Families can then take the opportunity to debate and dig deeper into meaning in the aftermath, leading to enriching conversations amongst members.

Rather than mindless consumption, many informative films challenge viewpoints and get people talking. In bringing up new topics for conversation and creative points of discussion, films are contributing to family interaction, consequently making room for deeper connection.

Film Drives Familial Togetherness

The act of watching a film drives a sense of togetherness. Whether it be as a comfortable wind-down at home, or a family outing to the theatre, watching movies together is a classic evening activity for a reason: it feels good. Unlike scrolling social media, watching a film implies a sense of following each other in thought, emotion, and reaction. Films create connectivity with audiences, and the audience members with each other, in return. It’s a communal experience, as engrained as listening to stories together always has been, and therefore something for the family to bond with.

Watching together means families feel together. Through shared emotions, families can enjoy connection and unity.