Postcolonialism in migrant cinema : resistance to and regeneration of the West's social system

Abstract

In recent years migration has been an increasingly dominant phenomenon in Western society. Migration leaves a vast impact on all the people, who in one way or another are part of this reality. For this reason, this research aims to explore the role of contemporary migration in the present postcolonial context as dealt within migrant cinema. To achieve the best results, the first process entails a detailed study of scholars which have already contributed, in their diverse ways, to the matter in discussion. The second procedure will delve into using this scholarly knowledge to analyse films from the contemporary migrant cinema, mainly; Wayne Kramer's Crossing Over (The Weinstein Company, 2009), Costantinos Gavras' Eden is West (Pathe! 2009), Franceso Patierno's Things form Another World (Medusa Film, 2011). This study will hopefully contribute to a better understanding of the reasons behind contemporary migrant cinema’s attempts to shape our constructed notions and social systems. Simultaneously, the thesis will explore how film directors, like postcolonial scholars, offer a complex critique of social imagery with the aim of instigating social change for a better society and critical thinking in their audience. What migrant cinema provides is a constructive criticism that can lead to an improved contemporary society if it is embraced by the audience.