Watch Filters - the documentary
- PG-13
- 2017
- 1 hr 3 min
Filters is a powerful documentary that explores the impact of social media and filters on young women today. Through personal stories, expert interviews, and research, the film explores the ways in which filters have transformed our society's beauty standards, and the impact this has on young women's self-esteem and mental health. The film centers around two young women, Rachel Razon and Kristine Veta, who share their experiences with filters and social media. Rachel, a Filipino-American influencer with over 100,000 followers, talks about the pressure to present a perfect image online, and the toll this takes on her mental health. Kristine, a fashion photographer, speaks to the ways in which filters have changed her industry, and how they perpetuate narrow beauty ideals.
The documentary is structured around interviews with experts in psychology, sociology, and digital media, who provide context and analysis for the phenomenon of social media and filters. Dr. Renee Engeln, a professor of psychology at Northwestern University, explains the ways in which social media can exacerbate body image issues and eating disorders. Dr. Sarah Roberts, a professor of information studies at UCLA, speaks to the unintended consequences of social media platforms, and the ways in which they reinforce biases and inequalities.
The film also features interviews with tech insiders, who discuss the design choices that go into creating filters and other image-altering tools. These interviews are revealing and sometimes disturbing, as they reveal the ways in which technology can be used to manipulate and exploit people's insecurities.
Throughout the documentary, there are also personal stories from young women who have been affected by filters in different ways. A young woman named Aishwarya tells a heartbreaking story about how filters contributed to her developing anorexia. Another young woman, Candice, talks about how filters have helped her cope with disfiguring scars.
While the documentary is primarily focused on the negative impact of filters and social media, it also explores the ways in which people are pushing back against these trends. The last part of the film features activists and artists who are using social media to subvert beauty standards and promote body positivity. Their stories provide a hopeful note, suggesting that change is possible and that there are ways to resist the toxic influence of filters.
Overall, Filters is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that asks important questions about the role of technology in shaping our lives and identities. By combining personal stories, expert analysis, and cultural critique, the film provides a complex and nuanced perspective on a very modern problem. So, if you are interested in exploring the impact of technology on our lives, and the ways in which we can resist its negative effects, this documentary is definitely worth watching.
Filters - the documentary is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes.