The framing of the foreign black female in South African cinema

Abstract

This research explores the existing gaps in understanding visual semiotics, the representation as well as the underrepresentation or shadowing of the foreign black female in South African Cinema. It is important to consider the consequences of a ‘superficial’ construction/portrayal of the foreign black female as an ‘alien’ intent on disrupting the order of peace within South Africa. I draw from my experiences as a foreign African female residing in South Africa to create a thought-provoking experimental short film (10-12 minutes). The film’s intention is to challenge existing stereotypes embedded in a patriarchal and xenophobic South Africa. The film will interrogate how some media/cinema shapes and influences the multilayers and intersections of discrimination and violence experienced by the foreign black female in South Africa. The repeated representation of the African Foreigner in some media/cinema as the threatening ‘other’ encourages the ‘desire to expel and/murder African immigrants; the problem that must be gotten rid of’ (Moyo, 2017: 16)