Filmmakers use cognitive dissonance to challenge beliefs and norms, encouraging critical viewing. By purposefully creating contradictions and conflicts within their narratives, filmmakers can foster a sense of unease, forcing audiences to confront their own assumptions and reconsider prevailing ideologies. In this article, we will explore how cognitive dissonance is intentionally incorporated in the works of filmmakers from different regions, including two examples from American cinema, three from European cinema, and one from world cinema. American cinema has a rich history of employing cognitive dissonance to question societal norms. One striking example is David Lynch's "Blue Velvet" (1986), which delves into the underbelly of suburban America, juxtaposing the idyllic facade with disturbing and violent encounters. This stark contrast challenges the notion of the American Dream, exposing the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface. Another noteworthy American film is Da...