Twenty-second International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

This study analyzes LGBTQ-themed films exhibited and shown at Cinemalaya festivals in the Philippines, aiming to examine LGBT presentation through the lenses of hegemony and counter-hegemony. The research explores the intricate dynamics of power, ideology, and resistance in the cinematic representation of LGBTQ individuals. Drawing scholarly cues from Roland Barthes’ semiotic analysis, the study unpacks the symbolic elements embedded in the films, the layers of meaning and discourse surrounding LGBTQ narratives were unraveled. Simultaneously, the research employs Antonio Gramsci’s concept of hegemony to scrutinize the dominant societal norms shaping these cinematic portrayals. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the research engages with textual and cultural analysis, offering an understanding of LGBTQ representation in the context of Philippine cinema. The study contributes to a richer comprehension of the ideological battles inherent in the depiction of LGBTQ identities, shedding light on the potential transformative impact of these films within broader societal frameworks.