Beyond the male gaze: a study of female protagonists in selected Amharic films

Abstract

The main objectives of this article are to show how strong female protagonists and their male counterparts are depicted and to identify the gender power relationship between male and female characters as represented in two selected Amharic feature films. The selected films are taken as texts and textual analysis is applied to them. This paper argues that though most directors and professionals in the film industry are men and tend to portray women as second-class performers, there are some men who represent women as important as men. Having this in mind, films are chosen purposely based on three criteria. The selected films have strong female protagonists and a storyline that deals with gender issues. The films are “Semayawi” (Heavenly) (2020) directed by Bereket Tesahle and “Anlakekim” (We will not Part) (2014) by Solomon Muhie. The films were analyzed using feminist film (male gaze) and poststructuralist (deconstruction) theories as frameworks. The findings of the analysis show that the female protagonists in the two films are a professional journalist and a middle-ranking army officer. Because women in the films are professional, they are not the object of male desire rather they are the subject of the story. They are depicted as goal-oriented, knowledgeable, powerful and successful. On the contrary, the male characters try their best to get what they want but were unable to be successful on their own. They find what they want with the help of female characters. Therefore, the selected Amharic films show a positive change in the portrayal of women beyond the male gaze.