the future of film

The film industry is one that is continuously reaching a magnitude of audiences, entertaining vast amounts of people all over the world, no matter the age, gender, sexual orientation or cultural/ethnic/racial background of the spectator. Though the industry is often associated with the glamourized world of Hollywood, the medium spans a a great measure of countries, with spin offs like Bollywood (Hindi-language films), Nollywood (Nigerian films) and even Wellywood (films from Wellington, New Zealand).

When a platform poses such versatility, it is only necessary that the direction remain forwards as often as possible – so that films are shaped around the ever-changing societies that they are often based upon and appealing to. This means that films must do a total of 3 golden things; convey the current issues, represent the growing subcultures and create content that uses the newest forms of technology. This concept has been apparent since the 1890s, in other words – since the beginning of film. The aim of filmmakers was always to create original, new and modern pieces of film that would appeal to the society at the time. Some films that best demonstrate this are Metropolis (1927), Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (1967) and 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). All of which represent the issues that were either already visible or forthcoming, as well as represented members of growing societies and used new technology – the golden 3 is achieved!

Despite a general fondness for the future, this is no longer the intention of all 21st century directors, as we are surrounded by a world of prequels, sequels and reboots. Perhaps it’s not so obvious as they are embedded into our cinema screens so seamlessly, but allow me to remind you of a few upcoming features; the magnitude of Disney live-action remakes (including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Jungle Book) as well as the ever-growing Star Wars Universe (consisting of the Rogue One Series, Episode IX, Solo: A Star Wars Story and Rian Johnson’s Star Wars trilogy). And we haven’t even touched on superhero films yet… I see you Marvel and DC! Let me just say, just because a film is a prequel/sequel/reboot does not mean it’s necessarily bad, did you see Logan? I was crying for DAYS! However the golden three are often compromised in films like these in an attempt to appeal to wider audiences – or more accurately, make a whole lot of money. Though the use of new technology is an exception in these cases.

But I truly feel as though the future of film is changing. Maybe I’m too much of an optimist, but I think that the potential of the new generation of filmmakers is incredible. Though the issues of inclusivity and diversity are still ever so prominent, recent events in the industry are creating a path of new beginnings that foreshadow greatness for people of all ages, genders, sexualities and cultural/ethnic/racial backgrounds. A mere few of these events include Jordan Peele winning Best Original Screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards, the popularity of Black Panther and the success of A Wrinkle In Time. This doesn’t mean we should expect an overnight change, but it does inspire and fuel the creativities of young people watching these films, who envisage a world that includes them and their stories.

Perhaps there are thousands of young girls out there, who like me have religiously watched the Oscars since the age of 12, finding inspiration from every person gracing the stage. And like me, these girls may scream out when important social issues are presented, or when a minority group are appreciated, and even when a feat in film technology is achieved. These are the things that I have always looked for in films, and what I think will shape the future of film.