During the fifth edition of Beeldbestormers in het Ketelhuis, the representation of female characters in films was discussed. Criticism was leveled at the lack of depth and development of female roles, often reduced to their fertility or beauty. Several films, including "Stuwing" by Juliette van Ardenne and "Ma mère et moi" by Emma Branderhorst, were shown as examples of layered female characters. Host Floortje Smit quoted Jodie Foster about the problematic motivations that male screenwriters give women in scripts. The meeting also highlighted the power of the (body) horror genre, represented by directors such as Julia Ducourneau and Coralie Fargeat, to break through female clichés. The potential of genre films to explore the female experience and the development of the female gaze in the film industry were discussed.

read more (filmkrant) »