African Textile Studies (Humanities/Arts focus) | 01 February 2000
Gender Portraiture in Ugandan African Film: An Ethnographic Exploration
M, w, e, s, i, g, w, a, N, s, u, b, u, g, a
Abstract
Ugandan African film production has seen a surge in recent years, with films often addressing socio-cultural issues. However, the representation of gender roles within these narratives is not well-documented. We conducted an ethnographic analysis of a selection of recent Ugandan African films, employing content analysis to identify and categorize gender-related themes and stereotypes present in the narratives. A notable finding was the disproportionate representation of male characters as leaders or decision-makers over female counterparts in various storylines. This pattern suggests a societal expectation for men to take on more public roles. The analysis reveals persistent gender biases within Ugandan filmography, highlighting the need for greater diversity and balanced storytelling to reflect contemporary social realities. Filmmakers should be encouraged to adopt a more inclusive approach in their narratives to better represent diverse gender dynamics and reduce potential stereotypes. African Film, Gender Representation, Ethnographic Study, Ugandan Cinema