Screening Social Justice: Brave New Films and Documentary Activism

Sherry B. Ortner's Screening Social Justice explores the ethnographic study of Brave New Films, a nonprofit film production company that makes documentaries to mobilize progressive grassroots activism. The films cover social justice issues, challenge the mainstream media, and are available for free on YouTube. They are shown in live screenings to amplify their power.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

In her groundbreaking book, Screening Social Justice, acclaimed anthropologist Sherry B. Ortner delves into an ethnographic exploration of Brave New Films, a nonprofit film production company renowned for its documentaries aimed at galvanizing progressive grassroots activism. Ortner situates the company's work within a rich tradition of activist documentary filmmaking and within the broader realm of "alternative media," which is steadfastly committed to challenging the dominant media and revealing the truth about the world we inhabit today. Brave New Films' films encompass a wide range of social justice issues, with a particular emphasis on unveiling the hidden mechanisms of capitalism, racism, and right-wing extremism.

However, the impact of Brave New Films extends far beyond the confines of their films. The company is celebrated for its innovative distribution strategies, making all of its films freely accessible on YouTube. Central to the mission of promoting political activism, the films circulate within networks of other activist and social justice organizations, and they are primarily showcased through live screenings, where the power of the film is amplified and its message resonates deeply with audiences.

Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Ortner takes the reader on a journey into both the production process and the screenings, providing a deep insight into how films can be crafted and utilized to drive meaningful action for a better world. Screening Social Justice is a seminal work that not only sheds light on the role of media in shaping social consciousness but also offers valuable insights into the power of storytelling as a tool for social change.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478016861