Researcher Lara Khamash, a student in the Master’s program in Integrated Digital Media, defended her thesis titled: “Visual Narratives in Advocacy Films: Cases from Palestine and Around the World.”
The study delves into exploring cinematic storytelling from different angles. It also highlights the unique role that films play in promoting the rights and representation of marginalized groups in Palestine and around the world by analyzing five films. The research examines how films can be used as a means of change by influencing audiences through different representations of these groups.
Qualitative narrative analysis was employed including detailed analysis of five films from the USA, Nigeria, India, Palestine and Lebanon, by examining their cinematic elements such as character positioning, camera angles and narrative structure. These elements were analyzed by relying on theories of framing and representations.
The study concluded that visual storytelling is an effective tool for representing marginalized groups and calling for advocacy and societal change, providing a representation of the challenges these groups face in confronting stereotypes and social norms.
It also concluded that advocacy films, especially those led by female directors and producers, can contribute to raising the voice of marginalized groups, as they serve as a critical tool in changing standards and highlighting the transformative power of cinema in calling for social justice.
The thesis was supervised by Dr. Shadi Abu Ayash. The committee of examiners included: Dr. Hafez Asakra, and Dr. Hussein AlAhmad.