Disaster Entertainment and an All-of-Society Approach to DRR

Introduction: Disaster films are a popular form of entertainment. Large-scale pandemics, climate-related disasters, technological and man-made disasters, and comets on intersecting paths with Earth are popular topics in this film genre. But what roles do (or can) disaster films play in an all-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR)? Methods: Disaster films were chosen through a systematic search on Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and ChatGPT. After screening 111 trailers, 32 films were obtained from streaming networks and online purchases. The inclusion criteria for screening the films included a focus on realistic disasters, examples of resilience and vulnerability, and representation of high-risk populations. A team of reviewers screened the trailers and conducted content and thematic analysis for each included film. Results: Preliminary analysis highlighted how disaster films can support an all-of-society approach to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery through examples of resilience, information to enhance awareness, and modeling attitudes and actions underpinned by social justice. Mis/disinformation, confusing messaging, and industry-specific language are important considerations for population health and accurate risk communication through film. Conclusion: Disaster films represent unique opportunities for public education to promote resilience and enhance DRR. This presentation will highlight how disaster entertainment can be integrated into an all-of-society approach to support DRR, emphasizing important considerations for disaster risk messaging and inclusive practice.