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Paper & Glue

Name: Paper & Glue
Director: JR
Released: 2021
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

9.0/10

Excellent

2021

Director

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Paper & Glue succeeds as a participatory documentary that shifts power from the observer to the observed. By centering everyday people through large-scale street art, the film disrupts traditional cinematic hierarchies and elevates underrepresented voices. The work is strongest in its racial and cultural representation, actively resisting Western-centric narratives. It treats its subjects with dignity, allowing their own cultural realities to drive the visual landscape. While inclusive, the film lacks specific focus on LGBTQ-specific narratives or clear evidence of disability-centered ability to act. It functions more as a broad mosaic of humanity than a targeted study of specific identity politics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Paper & Glue have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film showcases diverse identities through community portraits. Although it doesn't focus on specific LGBTQ political narratives, the mosaic structure allows for the visibility of non-traditional identities.

How does Paper & Glue portray gender?

Good

Women are given equal visual prominence across various global contexts. The documentary avoids submissive stereotypes by highlighting women in leadership and artistic roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Paper & Glue?

Excellent

The film excels by shifting away from Western perspectives and focusing on non-white subjects. It fosters respectful engagement with diverse ethnic backgrounds, avoiding a tourist-like perspective.

How does Paper & Glue represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary presents various belief systems without imposing a Western moral lens. It highlights how local communities use global voices to resist institutional erasure.

Does Paper & Glue include disability representation?

Fair

The film provides visibility to individuals within community settings. However, it is unclear if neurodivergence or physical disabilities are specifically addressed or appear incidentally.

Present on Screen

Shifts away from Western perspectives by prioritizing non-white subjects and diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Gives women significant visual prominence and leadership roles within global communities.
Fosters deep, respectful engagement with local cultural realities, avoiding a tourist-like perspective.
Uses a decentralized narrative structure to empower the observed rather than the observer.

Limited or Absent

Lacks specific focus or centering of LGBTQ-specific narratives.
Provides insufficient evidence regarding the ability to act or representation of individuals with disabilities.
The non-linear, mosaic-style architecture may lack the depth required for specific identity-based storytelling.

Official Synopsis

A documentary following JR's artwork giving a global voice to everyday people.

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