Cinema of power: gender and sexuality in contemporary Malaysian cinema / Fikri Hakim Jermadi

This research contributes to an understanding of gender and sexuality in contemporary Malaysian cinema by using a textual analysis approach to critically discuss and illuminate various dynamics of said topic on the silver screen. It applies anthropological methods to connect real-life events to stories depicted within selected films. There is an especial focus on six films from the years 2007 to 2011, ranging from box-office successes (such as KL Gangster and Ombak Rindu) and critically-acclaimed texts (Pisau Cukur) to more independent productions (Dua Alam and … Dalam Botol). They are selected to showcase how such films can portray a shifting power dynamic, challenging heteronormative norms by employing criticism informed with an awareness of socio-economic factors. A significant part of the research revolves around conceptualising Michel Foucault’s discourse of power, evincing gender and sexuality as entities and/or as negotiated exchange arenas. Further studies related to gender and sexuality in Malaysia will help to contextualise how different factors (such as race, religion, and socio-economic status) are utilised in the construction of a stratified hierarchy of gender and sexuality. Within this, alternative readings highlight how different forms of challenges to official discourses can be effected, even when situated within restrictive landscapes of identity formation and enforcement. These discussions include theories as proposed by the likes of Judith Butler, Farish A. Noor and others, revealing how such challenges for emancipation takes us steps closer towards more (ab)original interpretations and expressions of gender and sexuality. In doing so, it advances studies in Malaysian cinema, increasing the literature in critiquing evolutions of identity formation and emancipation as enacted by and through this discourse.