Manifesto

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FILM: A MANIFESTO

We, the undersigned, have film as a vehicle of social and environmental justice at heart. Therefore we believe:

1. that socially responsible film cuts across different boundaries to include the making and study of cinema, television and internet media within local/regional/national contexts and communities;
2. that such film and its study should not be tied to any specific stylistic form or tradition, but should be focused on creating persuasive artistic and/or intellectual argument;
3. that such film and its study should be of and for its time while engaging with rational and/or emotional experiences;
4. that film and its study should have at its core humanity and the rights of humans as well as their impact on the world at large, such as global warming, conflict minerals and consumer economics;
5. that at the same time film and its study should responsibly consider their placement in the context of these and related issues as well as the implications thereof;
6. that sustainable production strategies should be developed that do not exploit, marginalise or harm the rights of individuals or impact negatively on the environment;
7. that the development and facilitation of interactive methods such as social media networking, conferences, intellectual material and support groups enhance working towards our goals;
8. that these interactive methods should aim to bring together, and to foster dialogue between the industry, academia, policy makers and the public;
9. that it is important to emphasise the value of doubt, humour and reflexivity;
10. that there is an urgent need for the production of material generating social/environmental awareness, impact and positive change.