Film and Media Studies Commons^™

Inherited Wounds: Generational Trauma In Postcolonial Film And Narrative Fiction Of The Global South, Sabrina Testi Melgarejo

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The theorization of trauma in literary studies emerged in the 1990s, evolving from its physiological origins to a multidisciplinary framework encompassing literature, psychology, and history. However, classical trauma theory, rooted in Western scholarship and focused on singular traumatic events, has been criticized for its limitations in addressing collective and ongoing trauma in non-Western contexts. This thesis responds to a call for a more inclusive approach to trauma studies, examining how multi-generational and cultural trauma is represented in non-Western postcolonial films and literature from the Global South, including works from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Angola, Mozambique, Vietnam, and Lebanon.

The …

Destabilizing The Nuyorican: Rivera’S Women And Nuyorican Cinema, Judith R. Escalona

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Rivera’s Women, the Capstone, is a TV segment I produced for the CUNY-TV show Latinas that first aired June 27, 2023 (Pride). It grew out of an hour-long interview I conducted with playwright and screenwriter José Rivera as part of my research on Nuyorican Cinema, the films of the Puerto Rican Diaspora.

An unknown part of U.S. independent cinema, these diasporic films destabilize the way independent films continue to be categorized through gender, race, ethnicity, and language. Using the Capstone as a guide, I examine two of Rivera’s recent screen works that situate him within Nuyorican Cinema because of his …

A Benjaminian Rumination Of Grasses And Tomatoes In Contemporary Anatolian Film, Ceren Izci

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This thesis interprets the intersection of history, ecology, and politics through two contemporary Anatolian films: Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s About Dry Grasses and Murat Fıratoğlu’s One of These Days When Hemme Dies. We focus on the films’ portrayal of social relations and relationships to other living beings through interpreting the temporal layers and historical tensions present in the plots of the films. We introduce the paper by pondering over the question of whether these films are political. Drawing on Walter Benjamin’s concepts of “first nature” and “second nature”, the first chapter introduces the philosophical framework for understanding the connection between …

A Pragmatic Legacy: Charles Wilson’S Politics And The Battle For His Archival Heritage, Jordan Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Congressman Charlie Wilson served Texas and the United States with distinction throughout his political career, leaving a profound impact on East Texas and the global stage. Known for his progressive policies in the Texas Legislature and his influential role in U.S. foreign policy during his tenure in Congress, Wilson’s pragmatic political career and legacy is preserved in the Charlie Wilson Congressional Papers collection at the East Texas Research Center (ETRC). Despite its historical significance, the collection faced decades of delayed processing, disorganization, and neglect of archival best practices. This public history thesis confronts these challenges by detailing the efforts to …

The Alabama Solution, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of The Alabama Solution (2025), directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman.

Magic Farm, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Magic Farm (2024), directed by Amalia Ulman.

Public Baths & Gender Reconstruction In The Mangkunegaran Region Of Solo, Fiera Saffana, Irmawati Marwoto

International Review of Humanities Studies

The division of gender roles in space is already evident from the layout of traditional Javanese buildings, which reflects a patriarchal culture where men are at a higher level than women. These gender boundaries and norms are also reflected in the spatial form of public bath in Solo. This research uses the archaeological method by Deetz which consists of data collection, data processing, and data interpretation. Explaining by presenting facts based on data obtained in the field, then data processing is carried out by involving analysis of the field data that has been collected. The last stage is the interpretation …

Cultural Discount: Breakthrough Point Of China's Tv Drama Exports To Southeast Asia, Lingxing Li

International Review of Humanities Studies

Driven by China's "Going Global" strategy, the international influence of Chinese TV series continues to grow. As a key vehicle of China's cultural soft power, these TV series have significantly bolstered China's global cultural presence, particularly in Southeast Asia, by showcasing China's rich history and contemporary societal changes. Despite certain geographical and cultural similarities between China and Southeast Asia, cultural differences still present challenges to the dissemination of Chinese TV dramas, particularly in areas such as language, values, and religious beliefs. This paper not only analyzes effective strategies for mitigating "cultural discounts" but also challenges the traditional one-dimensional view of …

Understanding The Transmission Of Deepavali Culture In Malaysia From The Perspective Of The "Circuit Of Culture ", Su Zihua, Mochamad Aviandy

International Review of Humanities Studies

As an important traditional festival in India, Deepavali carries profound cultural and religious connotations and has spread widely across Southeast Asia. Malaysia has become a typical example for articleing the transmisi of Deepavali due to its large Indian population and diverse cultural circulation. This article adopts a qualitative research method, gathering data and literature from various platforms and deeply analyzing three aspects of Deepavali in Malaysia: representation and identity, production and consumption, and regulation.The article finds that its cultural symbols construct Indian identity, and the multicultural integration of elements promotes the identification of shared values. Various activities and advertisements during …

Towards Resolution: Comparative Lessons For Advancing Peace And Justice In Papua, Tagor Hutapea, Alexander Evan

International Review of Humanities Studies

The conflict in Papua represents a complex interplay of identity, sovereignty, and historical grievances, shaped by structural violence and socio-political exclusion. This study explores strategies for advancing peace-building and justice in Papua, drawing on Johan Galtung’s theory of peace and conflict and comparative lessons from the Aceh conflict in Indonesia and the Irish Republican Army’s (IRA) struggle in South Ireland. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing root causes such as historical injustices, economic inequality, and cultural exclusion. Inclusive governance and dialogues that respect ethnic diversity and local identities are critical to creating sustainable solutions. Case studies reveal that effective …

The Intricate Relationship Between Parents, Teachers And Media In Their Context Of Nation-Building, Emmanuel Olumuji

International Review of Humanities Studies

This study examines the intricate relationship between parents, teachers, and media in the context of nation-building, emphasizing their collective role in shaping societal values and fostering holistic development. Drawing insights from scholarly literature and empirical studies, the study considers the influence of parents, teachers, and media on child development, moral education, and civic engagement. The study underscores the pivotal role of educators in instilling moral values, critical thinking skills, and civic responsibility among students, thereby contributing significantly to the development of a nation's human capital. Moreover, the study highlights the media's potential as a catalyst for social change, advocating for …

Plurality Of Countable Nouns In Chinese And Indonesian: Morphological And Syntactic Perspectives With Pedagogical Implications, Hatmi Idris

International Review of Humanities Studies

This study investigates the plural meaning and expression of countable nouns in Chinese and Indonesian from morphological and syntactic perspectives and explores implications for language pedagogy. Although both languages encode plurality, they employ distinct mechanisms, which may pose challenges for Indonesian learners of Chinese. Using a qualitative, literature-based approach, data were drawn from scholarly studies, Chinese teaching materials, and reference sources such as dictionaries. Analysis focused on morphological markers, including affixation and reduplication, as well as syntactic structures, such as numeral–classifier phrases and quantifiers constructions. The findings show that Chinese expresses plurality through the suffix –men, classifier-based syntactic patterns, …

Impact Analysis Of China's Electric Vehicle Distribution On Cultural Identity Jakarta Society, Suci Kuswardani, Ike Iswary Lawanda

International Review of Humanities Studies

This study examines the impact of China's electric vehicle distribution on the cultural identity of Jakartans. With increasing air pollution and congestion in the capital city, electric vehicles have emerged as a sustainable transportation solution. This study uses a qualitative approach with data collection through interviews with 5 sources of information, namely Mr. Susanto, Mr. Robert, Mrs. Astrid, Mrs. Ratna and Mrs. Jeane. This was done to understand the adoption of electric vehicles affecting social values, cultural interactions, and community mobility patterns. The results of the study show that electric vehicles are not only an alternative transportation, but also a …

The Influence Of Meme Culture On The Perception Of Japanese Music: A Survey Of Dolphin In Town-Kingo Hamada, Salsabila Alfajri, Bambang Wibawarta

International Review of Humanities Studies

The research aims to explore the influence of meme culture on the perception of Japanese music in the digital era, specifically analyzing the impact of meme culture on the song "Dolphin in Town" by Kingo Hamada. This study utilized quantitative methods, with surveys as the main technique for data collection. The results showed that meme culture plays an important role in introducing songs and artists that may not have previously received attention. The study also highlights the diverse impacts of meme culture on the perception of Japanese music, including its influence on popularizing, accepting, and interpreting music in various ways. …

The Coloniality Of Gender In Sports And Education: Colonial Legacies Of The Philippines’ Modern Gender System In Rookie (2023), Hestia Dwi Pratiwi, Darmoko Darmoko

International Review of Humanities Studies

This article discusses the lasting impact of colonial-era policies on the gender system portrayed in the Filipino LGBT coming-of-age movie "Rookie" (2023) by analyzing the gendered notions in sports and education. Rookie, directed by Samantha Lee, tells the story of Maria "Ace" Asuncion who is navigating and exploring life as a transfer student learning to master volleyball. As a rookie or newbie at school and in the sport, Ace comes across gendered notions in sports and education that reveal the state of the gender system. Using the concept of 'Coloniality of Gender' by Maria Lugones, this paper …

The Systematics Of Online Debt Collection Speech In Indonesian, Filia Filia Dr., Muhammad Rifqi Herjoko

International Review of Humanities Studies

This study examines the discourse systematics used in the online loan collection speeches in the Indonesian language. Online loans are one of the financial services that are widely used by the people nowadays. However, the efforts to collect these loans have raised issues within the community. This study aims to elaborate on the speech acts and systematics forming the discourse of online loan collection. This study is using 50 screenshots of online loan collection messages on Instagram accounts as the data source. Research data is in the form of speeches used by the creditors to collect debt from the debtors. …

Complexities Behind The Javanese Shrounds: Unraveling Textile Symbolism For The Dead Through Mikhail Bakhtin’S Heteroglossia, Asha Kun Nayla Faizin, Ganang Dwi Kartika

International Review of Humanities Studies

The shroud, a textile used to wrap and accompany humans in death, is far from a simple object. Within Islamic traditions, the white cloth applied to the deceased's body takes on various changes, modifications, and deeper meanings when individuals contextualize their own beliefs and experiences through it. This study focuses on the shroud's role in Islamic death rituals in Java, revealing a multiplicity of meanings as theorized by Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of heteroglossia. By employing a pragmatic semiotic approach, this research interprets and analyses the symbols that emerge from the contextualization of these textiles within Javanese death rituals. The study’s …

Ame's Rebranding Strategy To Build Brand Identity And Enhance Stronger Competitiveness, Michelle Adelia Sentosa, Aniendya Christianna

International Review of Humanities Studies

This research analyses AME's rebranding process to build a strong brand identity and increase competitiveness in the fashion industry. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data was collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results showed that AME's rebranding involved visual design changes as well as adjustments to the brand's vision and mission. The new illustration and packaging elements successfully attracted consumers' attention and created a positive experience, which resulted in increased sales and positive responses from consumers. The findings provide valuable insights into rebranding strategies in the fashion industry and their implications for brand identity and business performance, …

Social Media Optimization Of Ramampa Resto & Bar As A Visual Strategy, Monique Pricilya Oei, Aniendya Christianna

International Review of Humanities Studies

In the digital era, social media has become an important marketing tool for businesses, including the culinary industry. This study examines the use of motion graphics to develop the social media presence of Rarampa Resto and Bar, a restaurant serving Manado cuisine and healthy MSG-free food, located in South Jakarta. Although the restaurant has a loyal customer base, particularly from the 40-60 age group, its social media content fails to attract younger audiences, especially millennials, who seek unique and authentic culinary experiences. This study suggests that Rarampa's social media content, which mainly focuses on event photography and the restaurant's ambiance, …

The Construction Of The Image Of The “Ideal Wife” In Intercultural Marriages: A Case Study On The Youtube Video “Younger Singapore Men Looking For Vietnam Brides, Li Jie

International Review of Humanities Studies

This study explores the process of constructing the image of the “ideal wife” in intercultural marriages, using the video Younger Singapore Men Looking for Vietnam Brides as a case study. It analyzes the economic and cultural motivations of Singaporean men in choosing Vietnamese wives. By applying Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity and Henri Tajfel’s social identity theory, the study examines how Vietnamese brides are symbolized as the “ideal partner” and how this phenomenon reflects modern gender role conflicts and identity reconstruction. Through an analysis of interviews in the video and relevant comments, the research reveals the dynamic interaction between …

China's Cultural Diplomacy And Its Engagement With The Peranakan Community In Malacca, Kotchaphop Kornphetcharat, Lee Yuen Thien

International Review of Humanities Studies

China's cultural diplomacy utilizes a range of strategies, including cultural exchange programs, media outreach, and people-to-people interactions, to further its national interests and enhance its international image. The primary aims are to foster a positive perception of China, build mutual understanding and trust with other nations, and expand China's cultural and economic influence. The overseas Chinese community in Southeast Asia has been recognized as a crucial conduit for advancing Chinese cultural policy globally. Recently, the Chinese government has conducted official visits to the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum in Malacca, Malaysia, exemplifying its efforts to engage with the local community. …

Exploring The Ontological Basis Of Law: Joseph Raz's Views On Normativity Within The Framework Of Legal Realism, Artha Debora Ads Silalahi, Rizal Mustansyir, Sindung Tjahyadi

International Review of Humanities Studies

This study explores the moral ontology of law within the framework of Legal Realism, contextualizing law as both a social institution and an institution of justice. Drawing on Joseph Raz's perspectives on practical reason, normativity, and the foundations of norms, the analysis examines how law, as a practical guide, inherently carries moral dimensions in regulating social interactions and pursuing justice. Legal Realism frames law as a dynamic product of human interaction within a social context, while Raz's philosophical insights illuminate the interplay between practical reasoning, normativity, and legal structures. By focusing on the moral underpinnings of legal norms, this paper …

Opus, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Opus (2024), directed by Mark Anthony Green.

Rebuilding, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Rebuilding (2025), directed by Max Walker-Silverman.

Sorry, Baby, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Sorry, Baby (2024) directed by Eva Victor.

The Thing With Feathers, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of The Thing With Feathers (2024), directed by Dylan Southern.

If I Had Legs I'D Kick You, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (2024), directed by Mary Bronstein.

The Ballad Of Wallis Island, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of The Ballad of Wallis Island (2024), directed by James Griffiths.

Bunnylovr, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Bunnylovr (2025), directed by Katarina Zhu.

Life After, John C. Lyden

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Life After (2025), directed by Reid Davenport.