How does film shape our ecological behaviour?

15.09.2025 | Dr Daniel Possler conducts research in the Green Bunker

How do inspiring visions of the future in entertainment media affect the ecological transformation of our society? Communication scientist Dr Daniel Possler is currently investigating this question in Hamburg's Green Bunker as part of his residency research grant, which was awarded for the first time by the MOIN Film Fund and Planet Narratives.

Possler's place of work is a special one: the Green Bunker in St. Pauli - a striking landmark of the city of Hamburg and a beacon project for sustainable urbanity of the future. As part of his one-month fellowship, he will investigate how audiovisual narratives can shape social attitudes and behaviour.

Dr Daniel Possler researches and teaches at the Institute for Journalism and Communication Research (IJK) at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media. In his research, he has been analysing the use and impact of media - especially entertainment - for many years. He is interested in how and why media entertainment creates meaning, promotes ecologically sustainable behaviour and can therefore contribute to an individual and social "good life". He is also involved in methodological research.

During his one-month research fellowship, Possler is working on an empirical study that aims to shed light on whether inspiring visions of the future in film and TV content can lead to environmentally friendly behaviour. The Planet Narratives initiative, founded by media lawyer Nicole Zabel-Wasmuth and Directors Lars Jessen, which supports the film industry in harnessing the power of their stories for social change, will process the results together with Possler and present them for the first time at the Filmfest Hamburg.

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How does film shape our ecological behaviour?

Dr Daniel Possler conducts research in the Green Bunker

How do inspiring visions of the future in entertainment media affect the ecological transformation of our society? Communication scientist Dr Daniel Possler is currently investigating this question in Hamburg's Green Bunker as part of his residency research grant, which was awarded for the first time by the MOIN Film Fund and Planet Narratives.

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