Anas Ahmadi, Muhammad Turhan Yani, Karwanto, Hasan Subekti, Maspiyah, Ahmad Burhanuddin, Cirilo Baltazar, Antonio Guterres, Valentina Tutu Paok, Agung Sutrisno, Catur Supriyanto, Trinil Dwi Turistiani, Nuria Reny Hariyanti
This study aims to examine local women in film through the lens of sociological feminism and postcolonial feminism, which is still rarely done, especially related to comparative studies of women in the context of cross-border films. This study uses qualitative methods; the main data are four films from Timor-Leste and Nigeria, and data collection techniques through scripts/dialogues. The results of the study show the following findings. First, Timor-Leste and Nigerian films highlight the role of local women who have a spirit of nationalism in war. Second, the impact of war in Timor-Leste and Nigeria not only causes material losses but also causes trauma for women. Third, women involved in war/resistance against colonialism ultimately died defending nationalism. These findings indicate that the portrayal of women in war cinema extends beyond mere symbolic representation or objectification, but also as agents who contribute to the nation and state. Furthermore, this study shows that film as a contemporary medium can be used as an alternative vehicle to show the existence of women in war. © 2026 Adonis and Abbey Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Universitas Negeri, Surabaya, Indonesia; Oriental Timor Lorosae, Timor-Leste; Akademi Farmasi, Surabaya, Indonesia
