FemResThe Living Review

Media index

Decolonial FeminismFilms

07
items
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Films · May 2024

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

Rungano Nyoni

A black comedy drama directed by Zambian filmmaker Rungano Nyoni, starring Susan Chardy. Following young woman Shula who discovers her uncle Fred's body late at night, the film explores the revelation of buried family sexual assault secrets during funeral proceedings with her cousins. With its unique African perspective, the film examines the complex relationships between family trauma, cultural traditions, and women's voices, becoming an important representative work of contemporary African feminist cinema.

02

Films · Apr 2023

Polite Society

Nida Manzoor

The feature directorial debut from 'We Are Lady Parts' creator Nida Manzoor, an action-comedy that blends Bollywood, martial arts, and sisterhood in an empowering story. Following rebellious teenager Ria's mission to save her sister Lena from becoming a wealthy man's caged-bird wife by organizing a friend rescue operation. The film explores themes of cultural identity, family expectations, female autonomy, and intergenerational female solidarity through innovative visual language.

03

Films · Sep 2022

The Woman King

Gina Prince-Bythewood

A historical action epic directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring Viola Davis. Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century West African Kingdom of Dahomey's all-female warrior regiment, the Agojie, following General Nanisca as she trains a new generation of female warriors to defend the kingdom. The film explores important themes of Black female power, African historical narrative, decolonialism, and women's military leadership.

04

Films · Dec 2020

Wolfwalkers

Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart

In 1650 Kilkenny, Ireland, the friendship story between English girl Robyn and wild girl Mebh. This hand-drawn animation masterpiece fuses Irish folklore with feminist themes, deeply exploring gender role constraints, environmental protection, cultural colonialism, and female friendship and empowerment through two girls' journey of challenging patriarchal constraints and embracing natural forces.

05

Films · Jun 2007

Persepolis

Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud

Based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel, this black-and-white animated film tells the story of an Iranian girl's coming-of-age before and after the Islamic Revolution, profoundly exploring women's survival and resistance under religious totalitarianism.

06

Films · Sep 2002

Whale Rider

Niki Caro

Girls aren't allowed to be Whangara chiefs. But that's not acceptable to Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes), the 11-year-old powerhouse who believes her destiny is to ride whales and lead her tribe. Courage, leadership, and defiance are all at play in this Kiwi drama from Niki Caro.

07

Films · May 1993

The Piano

Jane Campion

Never one to succumb to labels, pioneering filmmaker Jane Campion delivers a love story about a mute woman whose erotic affair has life-altering repercussions. And even though Campion would probably fight us on this, one can't help but spot and appreciate what seems to be a feminist vision.