Animation, the newest form to fight patriarchy and gender inequality

In the 11th edition of the Festival of Animated Films “Anibar” was held the second panel of this edition. During this panel, it was discussed about how animation can help destroy patriarchy.

Participants of this panel were the producer Fabian Driehorst, and Amanda Barbour, film critic. This panel was moderated by the animator Britt Raes.

In this panel, there were discussions about the portrayal of women roles in animated films, women’s importance in society and in the fight against sexism and stereotypes, by which mostly girls and women are affected.

According to Fabian, the COVID-19 pandemic has not hindered the production of animated films, but its effect will be mostly seen in the themes which will be treated from now on.

Moreover, he talks about his personal experience during the quaratione period, which is when he started to notice the inequality between him and his wife.

“The fact that both of us were home all the time, and the kindergartens were closed, I noticed that my wife aside from her essential job, had a lot of other duties that she had to do around the house, meanwhile my only concern was my job”, says Driehorst.

In addition, he shared how the isolation period at home has helped him reflect on this inequality and to actually seek that this mentality is changed, which according to him, can be done with the help of animation.

According to Amanda, “Patriarchy is an experience that cannot be seen”, and the role of animation in this case, is to make this experience available visually as well, in order that it is understood by those who perhaps are not affected by it at all.

“Nowadays, things have begun to change and it is easier to discuss about topics that were earlier considered as taboo, for example rape, which oftentimes happens in animated films studios too. This happens because in the industry of animation in America, only 30% of the employees are women”, says Amanda.

The panelists agreed on the topic that nowadays, more films with feminist themes are being treated and the roles of the LGBTQ+ community are being represented. Furthermore, even Disney has portrayed the first bisexual role. According to the panelists, it is essential to reflect on socially important issues, to think critically and to create art that criticizes things that affect everyone’s life. We need to begin making this change where we live or work, because that is where we can make this exact change.