Author: Deng Zhuoyuan (25S06F), Sia Baweja (25S06J)
Editor: Chan Jun Kai Ethan (25A01B)
“Why the silence? Why the inaction? It breaks my heart.” Malala Yousafzai and Jennifer Lawrence take on the Taliban in their latest film “Bread and Roses”. The two are world-renowned celebrities, and many would expect it to be the next banger, but unfortunately, no one seems to have heard of it. Though we wholeheartedly support their cause of women’s empowerment, we had to ask ourselves “Why the silence?”.
This contemplation led us to investigate why most documentaries and activist films garner less financial support and popularity compared to fictional works.
Audience Demand
Firstly, activist films tend to appeal to a niche audience passionate about social issues and historical accuracy, a demographic considerably smaller than the broader appeal of mainstream content. Consider your favourite movie—likely a work of fiction. This preference reflects our tendency to gravitate towards such fictional works.
Hence, historically, documentaries generate less money at the box office. This trend stays in streaming platforms too, Netflix’s earnings reports and audience metrics show that popular films like Damsel (2024) outperform documentary and activist content in terms of viewership numbers.
Hence, based on historical box-office records and popularity, few may be willing to invest in activist films and similar productions. Lower budgets, in turn, may lead to lower production quality, due to the inability to attract big names in the movie industry and hire the best technical crew.
Escapism
At the same time, audiences are spoiled for choice in the world of fiction and escapist films. The cinema has built up an immense power in transporting viewers away from reality and immersing them in an alternate reality, especially with the improvements in film technology. From bigger IMAX screens to better shooting equipment, the film industry has produced cinematography masterpieces one after another.
Even animations have attracted more viewers than activist films because of their escapist nature. These films allow viewers to detach themselves from their struggles in reality, albeit briefly. Compare the two highest-grossing films of 2024, Dune 2 and Kung Fu Panda. Though vastly different in plot and shots, they offer many similar characteristics upon closer inspection: an alternate universe, the good triumphing over the evil, which is unfortunately rarely found in activist films.
Herd mentality
Herd mentality, an inclination to behave like others in one’s group or society, also plays a significant role in determining film demand. People often follow the crowd and watch popular films. Individuals may feel pressured to conform to peer expectations by watching popular films. Additionally, curiosity drives people to explore trending films to see what the hype is about. The desire for shared experiences prompts people to watch popular films, fostering a connection within their social circles.
The fear of missing out and being outcasted may also influence individuals’ choices, leading them to prioritise popular films over less mainstream, activist-themed ones. According to a report by the Motion Picture Association of America, the most popular film genres among audiences are action, comedy and drama, which are often characteristics of mainstream films. In contrast, documentaries and social issue films attracted smaller audiences. Consequently, popular films hold a stronger appeal compared to activist films.
Though a wide variety of films related to activism and social issues are available, popular films are still in much greater demand. This is because the norm of preferring to watch popular films is so deeply entrenched in society that no matter how much awareness is raised about activist films, the majority will still choose to watch popular films. Only when the roots of this problem are addressed will we be able to garner more attention for activist films.
The Common good 
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