Since its inception, film has had a profound impact on how people view and perceive life. Documentary films, for example, draw attention to social problems and issues. Documentaries are able to inspire social change by capturing the attention of the viewers. Documentaries are able to use powerful images to bring viewers closer to the truth and reality. Ava DuVernay produced the documentary 13th. It explores the topic mass incarceration and racism in the United States. Producers can increase the impact of racism on society through the use of visual images.
Ava DuVernay’s film, the 13, uses real footage from instances in which African Americans are treated unfairly by police brutality. This footage shows the ugly effects of social inequity both emotionally and physically. Ava DuVernay uses footage from both past and current events to illustrate the case. Many clips can trigger strong reactions in viewers and cause heartbreak. There are clips that show African Americans suffering during the civil right era. Black students and black protestors are shown in the film, as well as black people being shoved, attacked, or arrested. The film shows the most horrific details of this injustice. It is quite alarming. The film ends with footage from recent years. Black protestors are verbally harassed by white men at Donald Trump’s rally. The film shows footage of black protestors at Donald Trump’s rallies being verbally harassed and pushed around by white men. A multitude of clips shows police officers using excessive force to control black people. Some clips show police officers using guns to oppress black people. Most of these cases ended in the deaths. Some footage of a black man being held captive by police officers is quite disturbing. Another video shows him sitting in his vehicle as a officer approaches and shoots at him through the window. Too many shots of African Americans by police officers were shown to overlook the cruelty of discrimination and hate. The film is painfully slow and contains some very disturbing scenes. However, Emmett’s open-casket funeral stands out. Around sixty years ago, Emmett’s body was photographed by a magazine. The images caused a stir in communities across the country. The film’s images were crucial in revealing the truth about Till’s murder. Mamie Till, Emmett Till’s mom, held an open casket burial on September 3, 1955 for the whole world to see her son’s bloodied, swelling body. The body of Emmett was seen by thousands and photographs were taken and published in newspapers, magazines and other media. The film’s shocking tale of Emmett, Till, and its horrifying images continued to pull at the audience’s heartstrings throughout. DuVernay reveals the truth many tried hiding. These disturbing images are a wakeup call for many Americans of African descent in America. The 13th film elicits strong reactions from many. DuVernay used this footage to not overemphasize the events, but to bring attention to the problem of race and to make viewers consider the ways in which Americans have oppressed African Americans. DuVernay uses visual imagery to touch the heart and make the world see for themselves the injustice and cruelty of racism.
