"When I make a film, I never want the film to become a vehicle of social propaganda. If I wanted to do that, I'd make documentaries"

Norman Jewison's quote shows a nuanced viewpoint on the role of fictional films versus documentaries in addressing social problems and interacting messages. Jewison, a prominent filmmaker known for films like "In the Heat of the Night" and "Fiddler on the Roofing", compares the creative objectives behind developing narrative movies and documentaries.

The core of the statement highlights the idea that while films can and frequently do convey social messages, they need to not be mainly produced as instruments of social propaganda. Jewison emphasizes maintaining the artistic and imaginative essence of narrative filmmaking, which is fixated storytelling, character advancement, and psychological engagement. He suggests that when a movie is crafted mainly to work as a vehicle for social messages, it runs the risk of losing its creative integrity and ending up being didactic.

This perspective does not dismiss the power of fiction to motivate modification or provoke thought however rather requires a balance. Films, by their nature, can subtly weave social commentary into engaging stories without overtly guiding the audience towards a specific perspective. Such a method permits audiences to engage more deeply and draw their own conclusions, fostering a more reflective and individual connection to the issues presented.

On the other hand, Jewison acknowledges that documentaries inherently carry the responsibility to notify, educate, and sometimes encourage, making them better for obvious social advocacy. Documentaries frequently dive straight into real-world concerns, providing truths and viewpoints intended to notify or influence public opinion and action.

Jewison's declaration eventually promotes for maintaining the poetic license of filmmakers while acknowledging the distinct functions of narrative films and documentaries in the landscape of social discourse. By keeping these functions in mind, filmmakers can continue to enhance the medium and its influence on society without compromising artistic expression.