The Role of Cinema in Preserving and Challenging Cultural Norms

Cinema has always been more than just entertainment. From the earliest silent films to today’s global blockbusters and indie gems, movies reflect, preserve, and—when necessary—challenge the cultural norms of the societies they emerge from. They’re mirrors, showing us who we are, but they’re also windows, offering glimpses into what we could become.

Over time, cinema has played a dual role: on one hand, it preserves traditions, values, and shared histories, keeping cultural identity alive. On the other, it pushes boundaries, questioning norms and sparking necessary conversations about change. It’s this balance that makes cinema such a powerful force.

Preserving Cultural Identity Through Film

One of the most beautiful aspects of cinema is its ability to preserve culture. Stories, traditions, languages, and customs that might otherwise be forgotten can be immortalized on film, passed down for generations.

Take historical dramas, for example. Films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (China), Lagaan (India), or Pan's Labyrinth (Spain) not only showcase cultural landscapes but also highlight traditional storytelling styles, costumes, and values. These films act as cultural time capsules, offering both natives and outsiders a chance to witness a society’s way of life.

For communities whose cultures are at risk of disappearing, cinema becomes even more vital. Indigenous filmmakers, for instance, use movies to document languages, rituals, and folklore that might otherwise be lost to time. Films like Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, a story told entirely in the Inuit language, preserve traditions while giving Indigenous voices a platform to be heard globally.

Cinema allows cultures to say, “This is who we are. This is where we come from.” And when these films reach global audiences, they also foster understanding and appreciation for diverse identities.

Challenging Norms and Pushing Boundaries

While cinema is a powerful tool for preservation, it’s equally effective at challenging the status quo. Movies have often acted as catalysts for social change, questioning outdated norms and pushing audiences to think critically about societal issues.

Take films that challenge gender roles. Movies like Thelma & Louise, Hidden Figures, or Pariah explore women’s struggles and triumphs, breaking stereotypes and reshaping narratives about gender. In countries where traditional roles are deeply ingrained, films that highlight strong, independent female characters can inspire change and encourage conversations that might otherwise be avoided.

Similarly, movies have long tackled issues of race, class, and identity. Films like 12 Years a Slave, Parasite, and Moonlight hold up a mirror to society, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about inequality, privilege, and discrimination. By amplifying marginalized voices, cinema helps shift perceptions and challenge dominant narratives.

What’s most impactful is how these stories resonate across cultures. A film made in South Korea can challenge class structures in the United States, just as a movie made in Mexico can inspire conversations about immigration in Europe. Cinema, at its best, transcends borders to deliver universal messages that spark reflection and change.

The Globalization of Stories

With streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, cinema has become more accessible than ever before. Stories that were once confined to their own cultural contexts are now reaching global audiences.

This globalization is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it creates incredible opportunities for cultural exchange. Viewers around the world can enjoy a Japanese anime, an Italian romance, or an Iranian drama, gaining exposure to cultures they might not otherwise encounter.

On the other hand, there’s a risk of homogenization. The global market often favors stories that appeal to mass audiences, sometimes pushing creators to dilute cultural nuances or cater to universal tropes. However, when filmmakers remain true to their roots—like in Roma or Minari—the authenticity of those cultural stories shines through, resonating on a deeper level.

Cinema as a Tool for Resistance

In societies where cultural norms are rigid or oppressive, cinema often becomes an act of resistance. Filmmakers use the screen to challenge censorship, advocate for human rights, and shine a light on stories that authorities might prefer to keep hidden.

Take Iran’s film industry, for example. Despite strict regulations, directors like Jafar Panahi and Asghar Farhadi have created powerful films that subtly critique societal norms, censorship, and gender inequality. These films not only challenge local audiences but also gain global recognition, showing the world the resilience of artists determined to tell their stories.

Similarly, LGBTQ+ filmmakers have used cinema to challenge stigmas and promote acceptance. Movies like Call Me by Your Name, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and Moonlight offer tender, human portrayals of queer love, creating visibility and sparking important conversations about inclusion and representation.

The Future of Cinema and Cultural Norms

As technology evolves, so too does cinema’s role in shaping cultural narratives. Virtual reality and digital filmmaking are already creating new ways to tell stories, immersing audiences in cultures and experiences like never before.

Yet, the core of cinema will always remain the same: storytelling. Whether preserving traditions, challenging norms, or imagining a better future, films have the power to shape culture. They remind us of where we come from while pushing us to reflect on where we’re headed.

In a world that’s constantly changing, cinema holds up a mirror and asks, “What do we value? What do we need to change?” It preserves our stories, challenges our assumptions, and connects us to one another—one frame at a time.