Ep 10. Movies to Change the World

The Story of Film: An Odyssey season 1 episode 10, titled "Movies to Change the World," explores the concept of cinema as a tool for social change. The episode begins by tracing the origins of political filmmaking, highlighting the ways in which early filmmakers used the medium to document and raise awareness of social issues.

The episode then delves into the emergence of political cinema in the 1960s and 70s, a time when filmmakers around the world began to use their art to comment on political unrest and advocate for social justice. The episode features interviews with prominent filmmakers such as Costa-Gavras, who discusses the political climate in Greece that inspired his film Z, and Haskell Wexler, who speaks about his work on Medium Cool and his activism during the Civil Rights Movement.

The episode also examines the ways in which filmmakers have tackled global issues such as war and poverty, showcasing films like The Battle of Algiers, which documents the Algerian War of Independence, and The Bicycle Thief, which explores the struggles of a working-class family in post-World War II Italy.

Throughout the episode, host Mark Cousins emphasizes the importance of these films in sparking conversations and effecting change. He notes that while not all films have the power to directly change the world, they can inspire audiences to take action and to think critically about the society around them.

As the episode draws to a close, Cousins reflects on the ongoing relevance of political cinema and the need for filmmakers to continue using their art to address pressing social issues. He argues that films can serve as a means of amplifying voices that are often ignored or marginalized and that they have the potential to shape public discourse in powerful ways.

Overall, "Movies to Change the World" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between cinema and social change. By tracing the history of political filmmaking and showcasing some of the most impactful films in the genre, the episode emphasizes the power of cinema to inspire action and to effect meaningful social transformation.