Effects of a Cinematic Documentary Film on Support for Peace in Colombia

• In Event: Reconciliation in the Aftermath of Violent Conflict

Abstract

How can documentaries help build peace? As an art form, documentaries can do several things, in many cases, simultaneously. They can educate, or provide information that can negate or shed a new light over what people think and feel toward the outgroup; they can highlight norms; and they can take viewers on an emotional journey. The question of whether artists can impact attitudes and behavior in order to reduce prejudice and intergroup conflict has been examined by artists in their art, and more recently has been the subject of empirical research.

As part of the commemoration of 5 years of the signing of the peace agreement in Colombia, our team aimed to explore if a real-life story documented by ‘Del otro lado’ (On the Other Side) could help reduce inter-group hostility and foster support for peace among Colombians. The paper presents a research innovation that brings together filmmakers, scientists, and audiences to explore the power of movies to help reduce intergroup hostility and promote peace after decades of war. This report presents the results of a quasi-experimental field study of the impact of exposure in cinemas to the documentary on the audience's perceptions, dispositions, and attitudes towards FARC ex-combatants and the process of integration and forgiveness to facilitate the construction of peace in Colombia.

Author

• ANDRES CASAS, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana