Date of Submission
8-2024
Type of Work
Exegesis and Creative Work
Principal Supervisor
Dr. Anne Chesher
Associate Supervisor
Dr.Toby Wren
Keywords
Eastern European animation; Feminism; Socio-political issues; Power dynamics; Folklore; Fairy tales; Stop-motion animation; Surrealism; Metaphors; Symbolism; Female representation
Audience
Mature Accompanied (MA15+) - moderate impact language/themes, includes moderate sex scenes/drug use, restricted to 15+
Abstract
Animation mirrors society, reflecting its values, beliefs and challenges, becoming a tool to enable cultural improvement by recognising diversity and critiquing socio-political issues. Inspired by traditional Eastern European animation, renowned for its surrealism and socio-political narratives, this research aims to expand the medium’s potential. Directors like Jan Svankmajer and Jiri Trnka created masterpieces based on folklore, mythology and political commentary. This research aims to intertwine and shape animated works' content and context by honouring this tradition.
The research explores the multifaceted role of contemporary animation, which embeds Eastern European stylistic techniques to disrupt popular story structures and shape social discourse. Animation today is substantially more than mere entertainment or a cartoon for “kids,” possessing an affective power over audiences with its ability to provide emotional satisfaction and disrupt traditional styles. The project’s scope examines the intersecting challenges of gender, power and societal expectations.
The project employs a practice-led methodology, experimenting with surrealist techniques and exploring narratives; my surreal stop-motion animation educates and inspires audiences. The methodology investigates research into Eastern European animation techniques and visual aesthetics, narratives and character representation and modern leadership strategies. Case studies demonstrate how Eastern European directors use allegories, metaphors and symbols to purport socio-political themes, drawing from personal experiences to make viewers feel like they are a part of the world.
Notes
Creative work is unlisted and redacted from published exegesis.
Recommended Citation
Burgess, A. (2024). Animating Feminism [Masters dissertation, SAE University College]. Creo.
Included in
Higher Education Commons, Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons