Community Through Film

Req 5 — Community on Screen

5.
With the approval of your counselor and a parent or guardian, watch a movie that shows how the actions of one individual or group of individuals can have a positive effect on a community. Discuss with your counselor what you learned from the movie about what it means to be a valuable and concerned member of the community.

The Power of Storytelling

Movies have a unique ability to show us what citizenship looks like in action. Through film, you can see how real people — or fictional characters inspired by real events — stand up for their communities, fight for change, and inspire others to do the same.

This requirement asks you to watch a movie with intention. You are not just watching for entertainment — you are watching to learn what makes someone a valuable community member.

Choosing Your Movie

You need approval from both your counselor and a parent or guardian before watching. When choosing, look for films that show:

Here are some categories to explore — your counselor may also have suggestions:

Films About Community Leaders and Advocates

These movies show individuals who saw a problem and refused to look away. They organized, spoke up, or took action to make things better for everyone around them.

Films About Community Resilience

Some of the best stories are about communities facing adversity — natural disasters, economic hardship, or social challenges — and finding strength in each other.

Films About Young People Making a Difference

Several excellent films feature young protagonists who discover they can change their community, even when adults doubt them.

Watching with Purpose

As you watch the movie, think about these questions. You do not need to write formal answers, but keeping them in mind will make your discussion with your counselor much richer.

Viewing Guide

Questions to consider while watching
  • Who is the main character or group, and what problem do they face?
  • What motivates them to take action?
  • What obstacles do they encounter, and how do they overcome them?
  • How do other people in the community respond to their actions?
  • What is the turning point — the moment when things start to change?
  • What is the outcome? How is the community different at the end?
  • What qualities does the main character show that make them a good citizen?
A Scout watching a movie at home with a parent, with a notebook and pen on the coffee table ready for note-taking

Discussing the Movie with Your Counselor

Your counselor will want to hear more than a plot summary. Focus your discussion on:

What You Learned About Citizenship

Connect the movie to the concepts from Requirement 1. How did the characters demonstrate rights, duties, or obligations of citizenship? What values drove their actions?

The Qualities of a Good Community Member

Think about the specific traits the main character showed. Were they brave? Persistent? Compassionate? Good at bringing people together? Which of those qualities do you see in yourself or want to develop?

Real-World Connections

Does the movie remind you of anything happening in your own community? Could the same kind of action work where you live? What would you do differently if you were in the character’s situation?

Common Sense Media — Movies About Community Age-appropriate movie reviews and recommendations. Search for films about community, citizenship, and social justice.
A movie screen showing a scene of diverse community members gathered together in a town square, viewed from the perspective of an audience member