Leiden University Student Repository

Kriellaars, Sarah (2023)

Queer Asia and the Dynamics of Film Festivals: Representation in Film

Master thesis | Asian Studies (60 EC) (MA)

The use of queer as an umbrella term provides no single definition and thus allows individuals to experience their unique identities. However, this way of using the word also flattens the group creating 'queernormativity'. This idea of there being a 'right' way of being queer is quite problematic, because it is not just an identification marker. Being queer is also a way of doing. Through the increasing effects of globalisation a trend of 'global queerness' has formed which is often dominated by Western knowledge. Recently more focus is on overcoming this Euro-American metropolitanism. One way is through film as it is a form of popular culture presenting alternative ideas and possibilities. Film festivals in particular present the perfect arena for these ideas to present themselves. However in recent decades these established communities struggle with commercialization. This research focuses on understanding how queer Asia is represented in film at European film festivals.

Queer Asia

Asian Film

European Film Festival

Author

Kriellaars, Sarah

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

History, Arts and Culture of Asia

Supervisors

Ezawa, A.E.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en