Popcorn Perspectives

With the current state of the world, where our feeds are flooded with jarring and negative news and political divides and tensions have never been higher. Purposeful storytelling has never been more important. 

Film and television have the ability to reach and touch audiences across the globe. Whether it’s a story about shared universal feeling or obstacles or break out hit stories whose popularity transcends borders. Creators have the ability to shape and or reflect the world around them.

To honour and reflect the world, creators must think and act purposefully when creating their stories. Baring in mind the impact their stories can hold, they know each word written has the ability to spark change in the world. Creators have the power to open conversations about topics, inform and educate on sensitive topics and have the ability to inspire audiences to help change the world for the better!

Informs & Educate:

Television and film has the power to inform and educate audiences on controversial topics. Through authentic storytelling and realistic portrayal audiences can have a first hand look into issues affecting our world. Breaking down the political barriers that often impact our perceptions.

Party of Five Reboot:

The 2020 Freeform reboot of the beloved 90’s hit teen television show chose a much more political take. Similarly to the original, the reboot the series follows a family of 5 children, Emilo ( Brandon Larracuente), Lucia (Emily Tosta), Ella (Audrey Gerthoffer), Beto (Niko Guardado) and Valentina Acosta (Elle Paris Legaspi) as they navigate life after their parents are taken away. In the original the parents tragically pass in a car accident. In the reboot the parents are taken away from their children as they are deported as part of an I.C.E raid in their city.

Although the show only ran for one season, it provided an authentic look into the operations I.C.E teams have been carrying out across America. Providing audience with a raw and emotional experience that families across America are facing.

The series did not back away from showing what really happens in I.C.E raids, from storming local restaurants to capture individuals, the experiences of living in the I.C.E detention centres and the experience of being deported. The series follows the children as they battle to get the documentation to have their parents become American citizens.

Open Conversations:

While is often treated as an escape, it can also serve as a vessel to open up conversations on sensitive topics. At a time where the world is more divided on many pressing issues then ever, film and television break down the barrier and encourage audiences to speak out and on topics.

Audiences often turn to film and television to escape from reality. With the screen being seen as a scarcity place where dreams can become reality and audiences are free to imagine themselves living their dreams.

Heated Rivalry:

The Canada hockey romance drama Heated Rivalry based on the hit novel written by Rachel Reid, follows Canada rising hockey star Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Russian star Illya Grigoryevich Rozanov (Connor Storrie) as they explore the world of professional hockey and their sexuality.

The series explores the religious and political impacts of sexuality and being LGBTQ+. Illya is from Russia a country that has strict rules preventing citizen from being LGBTQ+ and has harsh punishments for those who explore their sexuality. In the series Illya is drafted to play professional hockey in Boston, a place where he is free to explore his sexuality.

However the professional hockey world is not the most accepting of gay relationships. Forcing Shane and Illya to feel outcasted in their relationship as if they are going against their teams.

Williams and Storries have noted many professional athletes have reached out and shared their own experiences and how the series has helped them. Beyond the impacts of the professional sporting world, the series has opened up a conversation about sexuality and sport.

The series has cast a light sexuality and masculinity in sports and provided an opportunity for athletes to speak freely about the changes they want to see in the sporting landscape.

Inspire:

Film and television have the opportunity and ability to inspire audience. Weather its inspiring the audience to look at a current situation from a different point of view, stand up for what they believe in or encouraging others to reach for their dreams. Creators have the opportunity to create content with an impact!

Abbott Elementary:

The series follows teachers Janine Teagues (Qunita Brunson), Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams), Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter), Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti), Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), janitor Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) and principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James) as they navigate working in the underfunded school system.

The series follows the teachers as they work tirelessly to make the most out of the little resources the district provides them. Every episode shows the dedication and passion the teachers have for their students.

The series is used to empower educators and inspire the public to further support their schools. Weather its bringing extra supplies for their children’s classes, which can mean the world of difference for underfunded districts or supporting governs and politicians lobbying for more funding and taxes allocations for schools.

Purposeful storytelling is vital. It reflects our values as a society at any moment, while informing audiences of the impacts. Through stories creators can inspire audiences to create greater good in the world

Purposeful storytelling forces creators to think critically about the stories and impacts of their creations. Understanding how the interpretations of their work can impact society and the world we are living in. Being purposeful is choosing and seeking to tell stories that reflect our reality and show authentic representation without shying away from the negative impacts.

Thank you reading! I hope you enjoyed my take on why purposeful story telling is more important now then ever! Comment down below what you think purposeful storytelling means!

Catch up on the latest articles about purposeful television, film creators and creative!