Depictions of Queer female characters in contemporary South African documentary film

Luttig, Clarien

Depictions of Queer female characters in contemporary South African documentary film

Master Thesis

2014

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Centre for Film and Media Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This dissertation investigates representations of Black South African lesbians in contemporary local documentary films. In order to do so, the author focuses on two films: Breaking out of the Box (dir. Zethu Matebeni and S’bu Kheswa, 2011) and Difficult Love (dir. Zanele Muholi and Peter Goldsmid, 2010). These films are analysed in the light of a number of questions regarding the depiction of Queer Black women, including: the frequency and qualities of such representations, in which kinds of films such identities are represented, which techniques such films utilise, and which themes are addressed. One issue addressed in both films is the matter of so-called “corrective” rape and this dissertation examines the complexity of depicting this specific theme. Because the subject matter is related to a number of distinct yet intersecting subjects, resources from a variety of fields are utilised – including, but not limited to, Queer theory in general and research on Queer Film specifically, documentary film theory, and historical studies of South African cinema. The films are analysed within the context of the socio-political environments in which they were created as well as in relation to theoretical contexts relating to representation in film and other media. Findings indicate that the representation of Black South African lesbians has grown in recent local documentary films. A significant portion of these films utilise personal approaches to documentary filmmaking, which proves particularly suitable for depicting the sensitive and personal nature of the subject matter. The films challenge prevailing beliefs about homosexuality within the African context and defy notions of essentialism in favour of highlighting diversity. Juxtaposed with the growth in documentary film representation, Queer female representation in local fiction film is negligible. Depictions of Queer male identities are comparatively more widespread, yet even these still tend to rely on negative or onedimensional stereotypes. On a more encouraging note, there appears to be an increase in representation of Queer Black South African documentary filmmakers, which constitutes an increase in the variety of voices represented in a previously limited (and limiting) film industry. These filmmakers’ work also opens interesting questions around representation and selfrepresentation.

Description

Includes bibliographical references.

Keywords

African Cinema

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Masters

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