Research Symposium

BIO

Andrea Dominguez is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs at Florida State University. Her research examines representation in female-directed Bollywood films. She is interested in careers in public policy and international organizations.

Through Her Lens: The Portrayal of Women in Woman-Directed Bollywood Films

Abstract

Film and media both reflect and shape societal values, social norms, and cultural
expectations. This study examines the portrayal of women in Bollywood, India’s film
industry, where female characters have historically been constructed within patriarchal and
misogynistic frameworks. However, the increasing presence of female directors in recent
years has made Bollywood a compelling site for examining potential shifts in women’s
representation in cinema. The purpose of this research is to collect both qualitative and
quantitative data to better understand how cultural expectations are represented in films
directed by women. Using systematic survey coding methods, we analyze the types and
frequency of female representation across a selected sample of films. Female characters
are evaluated based on categories including clothing, religion, interpersonal relationships,
education, and engagement in taboo behaviors. To ensure reliability, each character is
independently coded by at least two trained researchers using Qualtrics surveys, and
responses are cross-checked for consistency. Although the project remains in its early
stages and does not yet yield conclusive findings, preliminary patterns across the coded
films suggest emerging trends in how women are portrayed by female Bollywood directors.

Keywords: Bollywood, Women Directors, Gender Representation