Social realism depicts contemporary life to comment on social or political issues through realistic art. Social realist films often deal with issues like drugs, sex, poverty, and crime, and use run-down areas as locations. The target audience of social realist films varies by the film's conventions, from younger audiences attracted to films with young actors, to older audiences of 50+ attracted to films like "This Happy Breed." Main conventions include using run-down locations, wide shots, non-professional actors, semi-improvised scripts, and exploring wider social issues through personal stories.

1. What is social realism?
the realistic depiction in art of contemporary life, as a means of social or
political comment.
Social realist films often deal with social issues such as drugs, sex,
poverty, prostitution, homosexuality, alcoholism and crime. Political and
religious issues are also frequently included in this genre. The locations
used for social realist films are often council estates or run down areas,
although other locations can be used.

2. Target audience
The target audience for social realist films vary
depending on the films forms and conventions.
Films such as 'Kidulthood' are much more likely
to appeal to a younger audience as they include
younger actors. Young, unknown actors are
often used in social realist films as it makes the
film appear more realistic. Other social realist
films such as 'This Happy Breed' would appeal
to an older audience of around 50+. Overall
social realist films have a wide target audience
and can appeal to almost all ages.

3. Main conventions of social realism
Locations filming
Wide shots
None professional actors
semi improvised scripts
Erosion of regional identities
Wider social issues explored through emotional
and dramatic personal stories