Presentation Schedule
Examining the Role of Film in Peacebuilding Through Audience Reception (100512)
Session Chair: Sebastian Satrio Darminto
Thursday, 6 November 2025 10:15
Session: Session 1
Room: Room A (4F)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
Film possesses narrative power that can build empathy, raise awareness, and encourage reconciliation in post-conflict contexts. As a cultural medium, film not only offers entertainment but also conveys messages of peace that can bridge differences in social and political identities. This study examines how audiences from two parallel audience groups respond to the reconciliation narrative. The primary focus is to evaluate the role of film in building understanding, emotional resilience, and hope. The experimental group watches “First They Killed My Father” , a biographical film set in 1975 Cambodia, about the life of Loung, whose life shatered when the Khmer Rouge seized power . The film is particularly suitable, as it powerfully fosters empathy, and promotes reflection on political violence, reconciliation, and healing. The control group watches “Radio” (2003). Set in the 1970s, it is a biographical film about a mentally challenged man. It offers emotional depth and explores themes of inclusion and acceptance, while remaining neutral. Therefore it allows for a clear contrast with the experimental group's viewing. The state-of-the-art of this study lies in its approach. Unlike traditional film studies that focus more on the film text itself, this research places audience response at the centre of the analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of film as a tool of cultural diplomacy or soft power. Findings demonstrate the potential of film as a cross-cultural communication medium that plays a role in strengthening international understanding and rela&ons. This study, thus, makes a novel contribution to the study of international relations
Authors:
Sebastian Satrio Darminto, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan
About the Presenter(s)
Sebastian Satrio Darminto is a Master’s student in Asia Pacific Studies with a background in Film studies.
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