Foreign Affairs

GreatGazoo

(4,484 posts)

1. Films have been used as soft power since at least WW1

Sat Dec 6, 2025, 09:41 AM

Dec 6

On my scorecard, we have moved KSA far, far more than they moved us. When we break down ethnic and gender stereotypes in a repressive country we win.

Back in the 1980s, 'Little House on the Prarie' was one of the only US TV shows allowed to air in the most repressive theocratic countries. Americans saw that show as tame and wholesome but a generation of girls growing up in places like KSA saw something subversive and hopeful -- a world perceived through the eyes of a girl. A girl with agency and opportunities.

The Jury President for Red Seas' 2024 fest was Spike Lee. For 2025 it will be Sean Baker whose breakout was the 2015 film Tangerine which features a transgender protagonist. His 2017 film was 'The Florida Project' which follows a 6-year-old girl living in a motel with her rebellious mother. His current project is "Left Handed Girl."

Should we stop using soft power on KSA??

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Highlight:

With Hollywood strapped for cash, Saudi Arabia is re-emerging as a key financial backer [View all] Passages Dec 6 OP

Films have been used as soft power since at least WW1 GreatGazoo Dec 6 #1

These actions by Hollywood seeking Saudi money is steeped in benevolence? Passages Dec 6 #2

Promoting women's rights and transgender rights in repressive countries GreatGazoo Dec 6 #3

Not in my opinion, no. Not a big win. Passages Dec 6 #4