Film’s Not Dead: How Theaters Fight Misinformation

The flickering screen, the darkened theater, the shared experience—does film still hold relevance in our hyper-digital, short-form content dominated world, especially when considering the current state of news consumption? Absolutely. In fact, I’d argue it’s more critical than ever.

Let me tell you about the Plaza Theater here in Atlanta. It’s a local institution, a single-screen cinema that’s been showing independent and classic films since 1939. In 2025, they were facing closure. Streaming services were booming, and people seemed content to watch movies on their phones. Ticket sales were down 40% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The owner, Jonathan, was considering selling the property to a developer who wanted to build condos. It looked bleak.

Jonathan decided to try one last thing: a series of themed film festivals. He started with a retrospective of Agnes Varda’s work. Then, a month-long celebration of Southern filmmakers. He partnered with local restaurants for pre-show dinners and Q&A sessions with directors. And guess what? It worked. Word of mouth spread, ticket sales rebounded, and the Plaza is now thriving. In fact, they’re planning to expand with a second screen in 2027. I saw “Parasite” there last year; the energy in that room was electric.

The Plaza’s story highlights a crucial point: film provides a shared cultural experience that streaming simply can’t replicate. Think about it. When you watch a movie at home, you’re often distracted by your phone, your family, or your to-do list. In a theater, you’re fully immersed in the story, surrounded by other people who are experiencing the same emotions. That collective experience creates a sense of community and connection.

This sense of community is vital, especially in our increasingly polarized society. Film can foster empathy and understanding by allowing us to see the world through different perspectives. A documentary about refugees, a coming-of-age story about a transgender teen, a historical drama about the Civil Rights Movement—these films can challenge our assumptions and broaden our horizons. They can make us more compassionate and more aware of the struggles of others. The news often focuses on the surface-level conflicts; film can offer a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the human condition.

But film’s importance extends beyond entertainment and empathy. In the era of fake news and deepfakes, film literacy is essential for critical thinking. We’re bombarded with visual information every day, and we need to be able to analyze and interpret it effectively. That means understanding how filmmakers use techniques like editing, cinematography, and sound to create meaning and manipulate emotions. It means being able to identify bias and propaganda. It means being able to distinguish between fact and fiction.

I saw this play out firsthand during the 2024 election cycle. A political ad started circulating online that used manipulated footage to make a candidate look incompetent. The ad was cleverly edited, and it was difficult to tell that it was fake. However, a group of film students at Georgia State University analyzed the ad frame by frame and exposed the manipulation. Their analysis went viral, and the ad was eventually taken down. This is just one example of how film literacy can be used to combat misinformation.

According to a 2025 report by the Pew Research Center Pew Research Center, only 37% of Americans feel confident in their ability to identify manipulated videos. That’s a problem. We need to invest in film education at all levels, from elementary school to college. We need to teach people how to watch movies critically and how to create their own films responsibly.

The rise of documentary filmmaking is another reason why film matters more than ever. Documentaries can shed light on important social and political issues that are often ignored by mainstream media. Take, for example, “The Burning Truth,” a 2025 documentary about the impact of climate change on coastal communities in Georgia. The film features interviews with local fishermen, farmers, and scientists, and it paints a stark picture of the challenges they face. Since its release, the film has been screened at film festivals around the world and has sparked a national conversation about climate change policy. According to AP News AP News, the film has been credited with influencing several key pieces of legislation.

We ran a campaign last year to promote “The Burning Truth” to local community groups here in metro Atlanta. We partnered with environmental organizations to host screenings and panel discussions. We also created a social media campaign that encouraged people to share their own stories about climate change. The campaign was a success. We saw a significant increase in awareness of the issue and a surge in support for climate action. The point is, film can be a powerful tool for social change.

Here’s what nobody tells you, though: making a truly impactful film is hard. It requires talent, dedication, and a whole lot of luck. It also requires funding. Independent filmmakers often struggle to get their films made because they don’t have access to the same resources as Hollywood studios. That’s why it’s so important to support independent film festivals and organizations that provide grants and mentorship to emerging filmmakers.

Consider Film Impact Georgia Film Impact Georgia, a local non-profit dedicated to supporting filmmakers in the state. They offer grants, workshops, and networking opportunities to help filmmakers bring their stories to life. Organizations like this are vital for fostering a vibrant and diverse film community.

Of course, not everyone agrees that film is as important as I’m making it out to be. Some argue that it’s just a form of entertainment, a distraction from the real problems facing our world. Others say that it’s too expensive and inaccessible, that it’s only for the elite. I disagree. Film is a powerful tool for education, empathy, and social change. It’s a way to connect with others, to learn about the world, and to make a difference.

The resolution for Jonathan and the Plaza Theater wasn’t just about saving a business; it was about preserving a cultural hub. It was about reminding people of the power of shared experiences. It was about demonstrating that film can still bring people together, even in a world that often feels fragmented and isolated. And that, in my opinion, is why film matters more than ever.

So, what can you do? Support your local independent cinemas. Watch documentaries and films that challenge your perspectives. Learn about film literacy and teach others. And most importantly, remember that film is not just entertainment. It’s a powerful tool that can shape our understanding of the world and inspire us to create a better future.

Don’t just passively consume film; engage with it. Seek out stories that challenge your worldview, support the artists who are telling those stories, and use your newfound film literacy to become a more informed and engaged citizen. Film isn’t just entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and the world around us.