FILM

Women have made significant contributions to the film industry across various genres, including science fiction, paranormal cinema, and UFO-related storytelling. Their work often brings nuanced perspectives, challenging dominant narratives by introducing themes of identity, otherness, and cultural perspectives that are often overlooked in mainstream media. Let’s explore their impact with specific examples from each genre.

1. Science Fiction: Amplifying Intersectional Voices

Women in sci-fi often push the boundaries by questioning who belongs in the future and centering marginalized identities. They tend to explore themes like oppression, freedom, and alternative ways of being, which resonate deeply with audiences that feel excluded by traditional portrayals of futurism.

Example:
Ava DuVernay – “A Wrinkle in Time” (2018)

• Ava DuVernay became the first Black woman to direct a film with a budget exceeding $100 million. Although A Wrinkle in Time is a children’s fantasy and sci-fi film, it carries deep themes of interdimensional travel, personal empowerment, and the significance of inner light.
• The film emphasizes inclusion, with the protagonist Meg Murry, a biracial girl, embarking on a cosmic adventure to rescue her father. DuVernay’s work reflects how women of color can reshape the sci-fi genre to prioritize diversity and emotional depth, illustrating that young women of color belong in both stories and futures of the speculative world.

2. Paranormal Cinema: New Perspectives on Fear and Mystery

The paranormal genre typically explores human fears, cultural taboos, and the unknown. Minority women often bring unique cultural frameworks to these stories, reflecting the spiritual practices, folklore, and anxieties rooted in their communities. This introduces a much-needed diversity in the portrayal of the supernatural, beyond Eurocentric ghost stories.

Example:
Issa López – “Tigers Are Not Afraid” (2017)

• Issa López, a Mexican filmmaker, created this haunting blend of supernatural horror and social realism. The film follows children orphaned by cartel violence, who are guided by ghostly apparitions on their journey to safety.
• López's approach redefines paranormal cinema by blending the supernatural with social issues, such as poverty and violence in Mexico. Her work demonstrates how women of color can craft horror narratives that not only evoke fear but also inspire empathy and awareness of societal trauma.

3. UFO Phenomena: Challenging Mainstream Alien Narratives

In narratives surrounding UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, minority women are increasingly involved in interrogating the ideas of the “alien” and “other.” Their work often challenges the implicit colonial undertones of UFO narratives, which have traditionally reflected fears of invasion and conquest.

Example:
Jordan Peele and Keke Palmer – “Nope” (2022)

• While directed by Jordan Peele, Nope stars Keke Palmer as Emerald Haywood, a young woman determined to uncover the truth behind a UFO lurking in the skies above their ranch. Palmer’s character brings humor, resourcefulness, and tenacity to the story, which subverts typical UFO tropes.
• The film critiques the exploitative nature of spectacle and how marginalized communities are excluded from mainstream narratives. Palmer’s performance elevates the genre by adding a distinctly Black experience to the conversation about who gets to tell stories about encounters with the unknown.

Women in sci-fi, paranormal films, and UFO narratives challenge conventions by exploring themes of identity, belonging, and social justice. Their work enriches these genres, making them more inclusive and culturally relevant. Whether through Ava DuVernay’s exploration of cosmic journeys, Issa López’s socially charged ghost stories, or Keke Palmer’s portrayal of complex UFO encounters, these artists ensure that diverse voices shape the future of storytelling.