A compelling discussion on the challenges and perspectives of women in global cinema marked the fifth day of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram. The panel, titled 'Her Frame, Her Story: Women Rewriting Cinema', held on Tuesday, delved deep into the concepts of the male and female gaze and the systemic obstacles women face in the film industry.
Global Voices, Shared Struggles
The discussion featured an illustrious panel including Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, this year's Spirit of Cinema Award winner; Anuparna Roy, director of 'Songs of Forgotten Trees'; Nayra Ilic García, director of 'Cuerpo Celeste'; actor and humanitarian ambassador Sheena Chohan; and Malayalam filmmaker Mini I G. A key observation from Fyffe-Marshall highlighted that despite varying social contexts, women across the world encounter strikingly similar limitations in their cinematic journeys. She also pointed out the constant pressure to make films more 'comfortable' for audiences, which often forces creators to compromise on authenticity.
Defining the Female Gaze and Systemic Hurdles
Nayra Ilic García shed light on film production systems in Chile and Latin America, which continue to predominantly privilege male-driven stories and perspectives. Malayalam filmmaker Mini I G offered a clear definition of the 'female gaze', describing it as a female-centric lens that prioritizes emotional depth, realistic struggles, and themes of freedom. Mini strongly advocated for a fundamental shift in power structures within the industry, calling for greater representation of marginalized voices and a more empathetic approach to storytelling. She also commended the Kerala government's fund for women filmmakers, noting its positive impact in enabling female voices.
Resisting Pressure and Championing Change
Anuparna Roy revealed a stark reality many filmmakers face: pressure from producers to include explicit content solely to secure funding. While her work engages with the idea of the male gaze, she consciously refuses to reproduce it on screen. Roy clarified that her artistic intention is not to impose any specific gaze but to present situations with raw honesty. Sheena Chohan emphasized that lasting transformation in the industry hinges on conscious choices—from the stories that get greenlit to the crews hired—and consistent support for women's narratives. The consensus was clear: while barriers persist, collective effort and supportive policies can rewrite cinema's future.
