Towards the consolidation of the migration film festivals’ social functions: Strengthening cultural awareness and fostering social transformation

This article revolves around fourteen main migration film festivals (MFFs) worldwide, exploring them as an interdisciplinary fertile subject of inquiry and analysis, with a particular emphasis on their social functions. The specific objectives aim at understanding the principles, values, circumstances and dynamics that permeate these cultural events. We assume that MFFs can serve as genuine catalysts of critical reflection and social transformation, fostering more empathetic, inclusive and respectful ways of life. Data have been collected through a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, including semi-structured interviews with film festival directors and curators, non-participant observation and the formal content analysis of festival catalogues, leaflets, flyers, web pages, para-visual texts and media platforms. The theoretical underpinning anchors the study in the intersection between the concept of ‘social profitability’ and ‘social function’. Results show that, despite the economic constraints, MFFs shape public spaces, creating opportunities for witnessing, negotiation and social transformation. However, innovative, disruptive and transformative changes are required to attract more festival goers, especially those in need of altering their perceptions. Moreover, the involvement of migrants in key organizational roles remains a crucial issue that requires attention.