Researcher Lilian Romel Atili, a student in the Master’s program in Integrated Digital Media, has defended her thesis titled “Representations of Women in the Palestinian Contemporary Cinema.”
This study explores the representation of Palestinian women in contemporary Palestinian films, by analyzing how these films depict women’s roles, images, social roles, and their contribution to the narrative. This study employs a theoretical framework consisting of the Bechdel test, Todorov's narrative, and Stuart Hall's representations. The researcher analyzed ten Palestinian films that won awards and were nominated at major film festivals.
The findings of the study reveal a continuing reinforcement of traditional gender roles and stereotypes in Palestinian cinema in line with global trends in women’s representation. The findings also show that the prevailing image of Palestinian women often revolves around negative stereotypes and that their roles and influence in cinematic narratives are marginalized. The study stresses the need for more diversity and empowerment in the portrayal of Palestinian women in cinema. The study also calls for increased opportunities for filmmakers to tell stories more accurately.
The thesis was supervised by Dr. Shadi Abu Ayyash. The committee of examiners included Dr. Mohammad Abu Alrob and Dr. Elias Kokali.