Film Criticism by Women Present and Particularity

The position of female film critics has evolved over time; unfortunately, the magnitude of the challenge is significant given the widespread male dominance, an issue that raises the necessity to overcome it by creating favorable opportunities for encouragement and ensuring fair representation and recognition of what has been achieved. Some fundamental points can be addressed to reflect on the status of female film criticism in Morocco and worldwide, and can be presented from several angles, some of which we propose below, namely:

• Visibility and Appreciation: Female film critics have been underrepresented throughout history, whether in the media or in cinematic discussions. Their voices have been relegated to the background compared to their male counterparts. However, a growing movement demands recognition of their experiences and their contribution to cinematic dialogue.
• Diversity of Perspectives: Female film critics bring unique and diverse perspectives to cinematic analysis, especially when addressing themes of femininity, gender representation, sexuality, and other socially relevant subjects. Their presence in the critical field enriches debates and contributes to a nuanced understanding of cinematic art.
• Professional Challenges: Despite relative progress in the field of film criticism, female film critics still face major professional obstacles, including gender-based discrimination, lack of opportunities to express themselves, and marginalization in critical circles. It has become more than necessary to combat all forms of inequality and to create a conducive and equitable environment to ensure that female film critics have the opportunity to express themselves freely.
• Alternative Platforms: Many female film critics have found refuge in social media and online platforms to present and share their analyses and opinions with readers and cinephiles independently. In this context, blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, and other means of communication have offered female film critics significant opportunities to amplify their marginalized voices and express themselves freely in broad daylight to find their own audience.
• Promoting Diversity: It has become necessary to promote diversity among film critics, especially by encouraging the representation of women from conservative cultures, women with special needs, and other underrepresented groups. These issues require continued commitment from the media, academic institutions, and professional organizations to achieve tangible and equitable results.

This colloquium aims to diagnose the situation of female film critics, discuss the specificity of their critical writings, exchange experiences among interested women and men, and place female film critics on an intellectual journey that ensures overcoming obstacles, revealing the multiplicity of voices and opinions, as well as the diversity of perspectives in the field of film criticism.

Seminar Topics:

• Film Criticism Around the World
• The State of Film Criticism in the Arab World
• Film Criticism in Africa
• Film Criticism in Morocco