The subversion of the collective imaginary in the representation of women: substance, weariness, and prejudice as bias in women’s sports-themed cinema

Abstract

Cinema, as an artistic form of expression, plays a fundamental role in the construction of the collective imaginary of a society. Cinema has the power to influence our perceptions, beliefs, and values, shaping our view of the world. It has been dominated by a male gaze that has defined and represented women according to its own conceptions and desires. In recent decades, a new wave of female filmmakers has emerged, challenging and subverting that dominant male gaze. These filmmakers are claiming their place in the film industry and telling stories from an authentic female perspective. They explore themes such as desire, body, sexuality, and gender identity, breaking taboos and boundaries imposed by the male gaze. Films made by women also allow us to see sports through a different lens. Their movies not only focus on athletic performance but also on the human stories behind sporting achievements. In this sense, feminist filmmakers are challenging and subverting the collective imaginary rooted in a male representation of sports.