Environmentology in Pandemic Cinema: Framing Pandemic-Themed Films as a Sub-Genre of the Disaster Film Genre

Environmental issues have become a central theme in many disaster films, reflecting growing societal concerns about climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. These films often dramatise the consequences of human negligence toward nature, showcasing catastrophic events such as natural disasters, extinction of species, and the deterioration of ecosystems. By highlighting these issues, filmmakers not only entertain but also educate audiences about the fragile relationship between humanity and the environment. Furthermore, the portrayal of environmental degradation in disaster films serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to recognize the impact of their actions and encouraging a collective responsibility to protect the planet for future generations. The emergence of diseases has added more challenges for governments to deal with. As such, the pandemic-themed film is suggested as another branch of disaster film genre because it presents a more complex narrative. This study analysed four films with the environmentology theme. The result shows that pandemic-themed films share similarities in their attributes with disaster films and also play a significant role in raising awareness about the urgent need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.