RISING GAZE IN STORY DEVELOPMENT
RISING GAZE advises people in the film and television industry regarding contemporary representation of women, BiPoC, people with disabilities and LGBTIQ* in film and on stage. We often unintentionally pass on sexist, queerphobic, racist, antiziganist [3] or ableist biases without being aware of it. Moreover, despite extensive research, we often present experiences that we have not had ourselves in a simplified or clichéd way. However, reality is usually quite different, less predictable and much more interesting. The exchange with our experts therefore not only leads to less discrimination, but also offers the chance of a more true-to-life, more authentic portrayal and thus a more original, more surprising, more modern story.
RISING GAZE helps through Sensitivity Reading and Sensitivity Consulting
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to challenge discriminatory narratives
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to make scripts and plays more gender-responsive
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to tell about experiences that you do not know from your own life (e.g. racism, trauma, disability etc.)
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to revise stories to reflect the diversity of society
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to present pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood more realistically
Another important topic is the portrayal of violence against FLINTA* in films and series. Studies [4] show, that young men who repeatedly consume films with sexual violence, tend to be more accepting of this violence and rape myths. This is because the depiction of violence against women often only serves as a dramaturgical device to advance the male protagonist's plot line. The consequences of traumatic experiences for the victim are rarely discussed, and sexual violence is often presented as a drastic but ultimately strengthening experience.
RISING GAZE helps
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to find alternatives to "Women in Refridgerators"
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to illuminate the context of society as a whole when depicting violence
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to portray violence from the victim's perspective and address the consequences (dissociation, flashbacks, PTSD)
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to challenge harmful narratives such as false accusations and rape myths
Dr. Susanne Kaiser
Sexism
& Misogyny
[3] The term antiziganism is sometimes discussed controversially. However, since it is recommended by the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, we use it ever. More here: https://zentralrat.sintiundroma.de/romani-rose-zum-begriff-antiziganismus/
[4] Click here for an overview: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1524838017717745?journalCode=tvaa