What is the term used for incorporating multiple storylines within a single film?

The term for incorporating multiple storylines within a single film is parallel storytelling. This approach allows filmmakers to weave together different narratives that may intersect or run alongside one another, creating a richer and more complex narrative structure. By using parallel storytelling, filmmakers can explore various themes, character arcs, and perspectives simultaneously, enhancing the depth and engagement of the film.

For example, films that tell the stories of several characters whose lives are interconnected often utilize this technique. The different plotlines can provide contrast, highlight thematic connections, or build tension as the storylines converge. This method stands in contrast to sequential storytelling, which typically follows a single narrative in a chronological order, or linear storytelling that proceeds in a straight line without deviation or complexity. Concurrent storytelling is often used interchangeably with parallel storytelling but does not capture the full scope of intertwining narratives as effectively.