Thomas Brennan

Cinema of Conscience: Educating Ethical Storytellers for a Global Society

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In this era of rapid social change, political unrest, and technological innovation, cinema serves as a powerful medium for fostering global conscience. This presentation explores how film educators can nurture a new generation of storytellers who engage with ethical dilemmas, cultural diversity, and global responsibility. By examining case studies of films that challenge audiences to reflect on pressing moral issues, we will discuss how storytelling can drive empathy and inspire social transformation.
As members of an international network of film schools, CILECT educators play a crucial role in shaping curricula that balance artistic expression with ethical considerations. This session will address how institutions can integrate conscience-driven storytelling into their programs, leverage technological innovations to amplify diverse voices, and foster international collaborations that expand students’ perspectives.
Through an interactive format, including case studies, pedagogical insights, and discussion, this session will provide practical strategies for incorporating ethical storytelling into film education. By the end of the presentation, attendees will gain tools to prepare students for the complexities of global filmmaking, ensuring they create work that not only entertains but also challenges, informs, and transforms audiences worldwide.

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Thomas Brennan is a Stockholm-based educator, artist, and creative professional whose work bridges the worlds of higher education, film, and the arts. He holds a Master’s in Education from Stockholm University, where he focused on global pedagogical practices and cross-cultural learning. Thomas integrates his extensive expertise in postproduction, color grading, and mediated storytelling into his teaching. His approach is to prepare students to navigate an interconnected world through innovative, cross-cultural approaches to learning and artistic practice. Thomas’ artistic career—spanning visual arts, performance, and experimental media—reflects a creative problem-solving ethos that informs his innovative approaches to leadership and pedagogy.