From screen to policy: Pre-COVID pandemic cinema, conspiracy culture, and the Muhan Project Phenomenon

Abstract

This article explores the intersection of pre-COVID pandemic cinema, conspiracy culture, and their impact on public trust in health policy. Analyzing films like Contagion (2011), Outbreak (1995), Flu (2013), and 12 Monkeys (1995) through Theodor Adorno's culture industry framework and Karen Douglas's conspiracy motives, it examines how narratives of institutional betrayal, bioweapons, and misinformation primed audiences for skepticism, amplifying conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 crisis. The study investigates unverified rumors of the USAID Muhan Project and DOGE-related claims, illustrating how cinematic tropes evolve into real-world conspiracies that challenge health initiatives. By tracing the films' predictive elements and psychological appeal, the article reveals their role in shaping public distrust. It proposes policy responses, including real-time fact-checking, transparent health funding, journalist training, public engagement, and media literacy, to mitigate cinema-fueled skepticism. Ultimately, the article underscores the need to harness media's influence to rebuild institutional trust, transforming cinematic narratives from sources of suspicion into tools for informed governance.