In Walker Percy’s "The Moviegoer," he describes a concept he calls "certification," which pertains to the existential experience of individuals in their living environments. He suggests that many people feel disconnected from their neighborhoods, resulting in a pervasive sense of emptiness. This lack of connection can diminish their sense of belonging, as they feel they are living in a place that lacks significance or authenticity.

However, Percy argues that watching a film set in one’s own neighborhood can alter this experience. Through the medium of film, individuals may find a sense of validation and identity, feeling like they are truly part of their surroundings. This connection brought about by cinema allows individuals to experience their lives as being rooted in a specific time and place, transforming their perspective from feeling lost to feeling grounded.