From reel life to real social change: the role of contemporary social-issue documentary in U.S. public policy

Abstract

This article examines three digital-era social-issue documentaries – Sin by Silence, Playground, and Semper Fi – to reveal elements of cultural and narrative influence that contributed to legislative change in the United States. Expanding the coalition model of documentary’s political impact through case studies and in-depth interviews with policy subnetworks shaped for each film – policymakers and legislative staffers, advocacy group leaders, and documentary directors – this study finds that social-issue documentaries are influential for U.S. policy engagement when they are perceived as emotional, factual, and nonpartisan. Documentary is thus positioned as ‘situated knowledge’ in a policymaking context – narrative that presents human implications and lived experiences. Ultimately, the policy impact of these documentaries is attributed to the dual defining characteristics of documentary: creative expression and reflection of truth. The present work contributes to expanding literature about documentary and social change.