Presentation at the Fifth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Source: IMDB.com

Abstract:

At the outset of the COVID-19 crisis in North America, pandemic and outbreak films increased in popularity. Among others, the 2011 film Contagion rose to the top of viewing charts in Canada and the United States. Shortly thereafter, actors from the film released public service announcements to counter misinformation in news media and popular culture surrounding COVID-19 and viral outbreaks. This study compares events from the film Contagion with what was being reported in North American news media and the messages found with the public service announcements to illustrate the potential of popular culture to both create and dispel misinformation surrounding infection and pandemic narratives.