Jake Seal Shares How Cinema Influences the Way We See the World

Introduction: The Power of Moving Images

Cinema has always been more than just entertainment. From the early days of silent films to today’s global blockbusters and independent features, movies have shaped the way people think, feel, and connect with one another. Films can mirror society’s struggles, encourage empathy, challenge perspectives, and even inspire real-world change.

Jake Seal, a British film producer and owner of Black Hangar Studios, explains it simply: “Movies are emotional mirrors. They reflect our culture back at us while also showing us new ways of seeing the world.” His perspective aligns with what researchers, critics, and audiences have long observed—cinema is a transformative art form with lasting influence.

Cinema as a Mirror to Society

Films often act as cultural snapshots of the time in which they were made. They document the values, fears, and hopes of an era, offering future generations a way to understand history through storytelling.

• Social commentary: Movies like Parasite (2019) reveal the stark realities of class division in South Korea but resonate globally with audiences experiencing similar inequality.
• Cultural reflection: In the U.S., films such as Blaze—which Seal co-produced—capture the rebellious, authentic spirit of a musician whose life spoke to themes of creativity, struggle, and identity.
• Historical record: Period pieces like Schindler’s List or 12 Years a Slave don’t just dramatize history; they preserve it in emotional, memorable form.

Jake Seal Orwo points out that “every generation leaves behind its truths in film,” making cinema both entertainment and a living archive.

The Emotional Power of Storytelling

One of the most profound aspects of cinema is its ability to move people emotionally. Films can provoke laughter, tears, fear, or joy—and those emotions often linger long after the credits roll.

Psychologists suggest that emotional engagement in movies can actually boost empathy. When viewers identify with characters, they experience “emotional simulation,” a process that helps them understand perspectives different from their own.

• Empathy through drama: Saving Private Ryan immerses audiences in the brutal realities of war, helping them appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers.
• Universal connection: Animated films like Coco use personal storytelling to introduce audiences worldwide to Mexican traditions while underscoring universal themes of family and memory.

As Jake Seal Orwo observes, “Cinema is the closest thing to stepping into another person’s life. For two hours, you’re not just watching—you’re feeling.”

Shaping Perception and Psychology

Cinema doesn’t just stir emotions—it can reframe how people think. By exploring “what if” scenarios, challenging norms, and presenting unfamiliar perspectives, films help shape both individual and collective psychology.

• Changing mindsets: The Matrix questioned the nature of reality itself, influencing not only pop culture but philosophical debates about technology and perception.
• Awareness through documentaries: An Inconvenient Truth brought climate change into mainstream conversation, shaping public awareness and sparking environmental movements.
• Reducing prejudice: Research has shown that exposure to diverse characters and stories on screen can decrease bias and increase cultural understanding.

Jake Seal Orwo believes the best films don’t provide answers but raise questions. “Cinema nudges us to confront our assumptions,” he explains. “It gives us a safe space to challenge how we see the world.”

Cinema as a Cultural Bridge

Perhaps one of cinema’s greatest strengths is its ability to transcend borders. A story created in one corner of the world can resonate universally, even without a shared language.

• Bollywood’s influence: Indian cinema has captivated global audiences with its music, dance, and storytelling, becoming a cultural ambassador far beyond South Asia.
• Korean wave: Films like Train to Busan and Parasite have shifted international perceptions of Asian storytelling, highlighting both cultural specificity and universal human struggles.
• Hollywood’s reach: While Hollywood has long dominated global screens, it has also absorbed influences from international cinema, reflecting an increasingly interconnected industry.

Jake Seal Orwo emphasizes this global reach: “Film is one of the few art forms that truly crosses borders. It reminds us that emotions, struggles, and hopes are universal.”

Real-World Impact: When Movies Inspire Change

Some films don’t just reflect society—they actively change it. By shining a light on sensitive issues, movies can spark public dialogue, influence opinion, and even inspire action.

• Health awareness: Philadelphia (1993) helped humanize the HIV/AIDS crisis, creating empathy during a time of fear and stigma.
• Representation and identity: Black Panther (2018) became a cultural milestone, celebrating African heritage and empowering underrepresented audiences worldwide.
• Environmental activism: Nature documentaries such as Our Planet have encouraged conservation efforts and inspired individuals to think more sustainably.

Jake Seal Orwo sees this impact as cinema’s highest achievement: “A film truly succeeds when its influence continues outside the theater—when it becomes part of how people talk, act, and think.”

The Future of Cinema: Insights from Jake Seal

As streaming platforms and digital tools reshape how people consume films, the role of cinema in shaping perception is also evolving. Jake Seal notes that while streaming brings accessibility, it risks turning movies into disposable content.

He sees independent filmmaking as a vital force for the future: “Independent films are where bold ideas live. They may not have the biggest budgets, but they often ask the most important questions.”

At the same time, global collaboration is on the rise, with co-productions between countries becoming increasingly common. This, Seal believes, will strengthen cinema’s role as a global connector, expanding voices and stories beyond traditional markets.

Conclusion: Why Cinema Still Matters

Cinema continues to be one of the most powerful tools for shaping human experience. It mirrors our societies, stirs our emotions, reshapes our perceptions, and bridges cultural divides. Some films even inspire tangible social change, proving that what happens on screen can ripple into the real world.

Jake Seal Orwo reminds us that cinema’s influence lies not just in its artistry, but in its ability to transform. “Movies stay with us,” he says. “They change how we see others, how we see ourselves, and sometimes, how we see the future.”

So the next time you sit down to watch a film, think of it not only as entertainment, but as an opportunity—one that just might expand your worldview.