While these movies' earnings did not compare to the likes of "The Lord of the Rings", their box office grosses were nothing at which to scoff. With DVD rental programs like Netflix and movies on demand via cable boxes, gaming systems and fiber optics; social, cultural and historical documentaries and independent films are more accessible than ever before. Subject matter that may seem too personal for someone to be seen viewing in a theater can be viewed in the privacy of one's home with the added option of pausing and discussing at will.
With this in mind, filmmakers who would like to see the advancement of critical thinking, reason, scientifically supported social change, and the freedom to question tradition and authority, should be encouraged by these technological mediums through which their art can be accessed. There is an established audience for these sorts of films. There are also many quiet and curious consumers of thoughtful pieces who may be waiting for the subject matter to become less controversial.
Challenging cinema is in a league of its own. Opening up a new genre of film making that reflects freethinking philosophies can have a valuable impact on how the public views the non-theistic, non-religious, non-conventional, and non-conforming individuals in our society. Exposure to personal stories and entertaining presentations of controversial subjects has the potential to foster a shift from emotional to rational and encourage dialogue. The number of moviegoers recorded to have attended such aforementioned films shows that the public is not shy about films that challenge their current perspectives. Filmmakers, in turn, should not be shy about producing that which may be controversial--but which is also in demand.
Andrea Steele
Chairperson/Executive Director
Freethought Film Festival Foundation
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest.org
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