The Filminists Framework

The Filminists review and score movies from a feminist point of view. We believe that movies and media do not adequately represent Indian women in all their complexity and nuances and believe this narrative should be changed.

The score for movies will be calculated on the following metrics and the total score can run from -5 to +15.

Base Metrics:

• Does the movie pass the Bechdel test? (5 points)
• What percentage of speaking character roles are played by women? (A maximum of 5 points assigned depending on the bucket the percentage falls in)

Extra Credit:

• Is there at least one female character with her own narrative arc that is not about supporting a man’s story? (1 point)
• Do the movies show women in positions of power? (1 point)
• Is homosexuality and queerness portrayed accurately and sensitively? (1 point)
• Are female characters performing non-traditional gender stereotypes and roles? (1 point)
• Are male characters performing non-traditional gender stereotypes and roles? (1 point)

Negative scores

• Are characters sexually objectified? (-1 point)
• Does the movie encourage/condone stalking and abusive behavior? (-1 point)
• Are there damsels in distress that need to be rescued by male protagonists? (-1 point)
• Are characters shamed for their bodies/sexuality? (-1 point)
• Is queerness invalidated, tolerated, snubbed, or dismissed? (-1 point)