Socio-Cultural Strategy

Socio-Cultural Strategy

The Role of Iranian Narrative Cinema in Strengthening Social Participation (1380–1395)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Farhad Pahlevanzadeh 1
S.M.Sadeq Morakabi 2
Elham Biabani 3
1 PhD student in strategic cultural management, faculty of strategic management, National Defense University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Television Department, Faculty of Radio and Television Production, Broadcasting University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Master of Social Communication Sciences, Faculty of Social Communication Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/scs.2026.545524.1736
Abstract
Cinema, as one of the most influential cultural products, plays an important role in shaping behaviors, attitudes, and social interactions of individuals. This study aims to examine the role of Iranian narrative cinema (1380–1395) in social participation from the perspective of culture and art experts as a strategy in line with paragraph 18 of the general policies of the Seventh Plan. The present study, using qualitative and content analysis methods, through semi-structured interviews with 12 experts in the field of sociology of art, cultural policymaking, and cinema productions, aims to analyze cinema in a multifaceted way for participation in social contribution. The findings show that cinema has an impact on participation through three main paths: first, films through social media, promote collective values and encourage participation in civic action; second, the experience of being in the cinema creates social connections and strengthens interpersonal bonds; and third, the influence of cultural cinema through discursive formation and participation in social content. The research findings suggest that cinema can help promote awareness, rational decision-making, practical participation, and social satisfaction by portraying social issues, fostering a sense of belonging, and motivating participation. However, challenges such as policy-based restrictions and limited access limit the sustainable impact of cinema. This research suggests that the capacity of cinema to strengthen social participation should be utilized by producing diverse content, developing cinematic events, and reducing production barriers.
Keywords
Cinema
social participation
awareness-raising
social interactions
cultural engineering
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 06 September 2025
  • Revise Date 01 August 2026
  • Accept Date 02 August 2026