From Tradition to Empowerment: Gender Representation in the Film Gadis Kretek Through Barthes' Semiotic Approach

Abstract

This research is motivated by the important role of film as a mass media in reflecting and shaping social perceptions of gender, especially in challenging and criticizing gender inequality that still exists in society. This study aims to analyze the representation of gender equality in the film Gadis Kretek using Roland Barthes' semiotic approach. The semiotic approach is used to analyze visual, connotative, and mythological signs in the film, while feminist film theory is used to explore gender representation in the existing patriarchal context. The results of the study show that although the film presents empowered and independent female characters, there are still limitations inherent in the traditional role of women in society. This study also reveals that the film Gadis Kretek plays an important role in building social dialogue on gender equality, influencing public perception, and providing a new perspective in the study of feminism in Indonesian cinema.

Keywords: Feminist Film Theory, Gadis Kretek Film, Representation of Gender Equality, Roland Barthes' Semiotics, Semiotic Analysis