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For whatever reasons, students respond to films enthusiastically. Second, film as a tool empowers students. This increased participation in class spills over to other areas as well, including greater participation in discussions of lectures and assigned readings. As a result, students are more willing to risk themselves before their peers. This shared act begins to break down barriers and build trust between class members before we ever attempt a discussion of the film. While students in my classes still read texts, they also watch films communally outside class. First, film is a powerful tool because it motivates students to participate in class. Meanwhile, I was discovering more and more how films can serve as powerful tools in the classroom.