Feminist Inclusivity in the Movies: A Semiotic Discourse

Emmanuel Nyong Inyang; Essien Oku Essien

Emmanuel Nyong Inyang Department of Mass Communication, Arthur Jarvis University, Nigeria
Essien Oku Essien Department of Communication, Culture and Media Studies, Drexel University, USA

Abstract

This study considers the extent to which female inclusivity is reflected in the narratives of films, specifically focusing on selected Hollywood and Nollywood films that incorporate Afrocentric aesthetics within their storylines. On these notes, the study aims to the elements employed by filmmakers in the select films to deconstruct gender roles in film, how the elements are used in the select films to convey female inclusivity and whether the elements as used can depict female characters as active agents or passive subjects in films. To achieve these, relevant studies are reviewed, and the feminist film theory is adopted to establish the theoretical framework. The qualitative analysis approach which uses a semiotic lens to examine the signs, codes and conventions used to convey gender roles, identities and power dynamics is employed in the synoptic discussion of the selected films; Black Panther, Coming to America and Apaye, and for the analysis of their intertextuality, rhetorical tropes, modality critiques, connotations and denotations as well as the paradigms present in the films. The study reveals that Black Panther and Apaye portray more female characters in their narratives that exhibit greater independence from masculine influence, in contrast to Coming to America. The study posits that the value of male-oriented film contents is not undervalued. However, it is imperative to advocate for the promotion of diversity within the genres of films and to implement a more inclusive casting processes in order to attain gender balance within each genre.

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