Film as a Tool for Conflict Transformation

Abstract

The research in this dissertation combines the fields of film theory and conflict transformation research as they relate to the study of peacebuilding. The entirety of the work is thus guided by the question, how can the overlapping interests of film and peace theory be operationalized to adapt conflict transformation to filmmaking and what might be the consequences in both fields should this be realized? In order to address this question several theoretical frames, including phenomenology, myth, cognitive science, psychology and international development research are used to assess case studies and a literature review. Although a complete insight into this interdisciplinary study cannot be concluded from this document alone, it does provide a great deal of support for the application of narrative filmmaking in the conflict transformation process. Finally, it confirms the powerful potential influence of film on culture and identity, the necessity to construct moral limitations to content, and also the specific context this tool of conflict transformation is best used.