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Speak Up

Name: Speak Up
Director: Amandine Gay
Released: 2017
Duration: 122 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2017

Director

Amandine Gay

Runtime

122 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Amandine Gay’s documentary is a focused study of intersecting identities. It goes beyond simple representation to expose the mechanisms of casual prejudice through a series of vignettes. By focusing on the overlapping experiences of Black women and the Afropean diaspora, the film turns linguistic microaggressions into a broader critique of systemic power. The work is highly intentional, using diverse characters to challenge conventional social expectations. Its strength lies in exploring the intersections of art, Blackness, and the social labor needed to navigate systemic hierarchies. While the film is a powerful example of storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity, it lacks specific storylines focused on LGBTQ+ identities and provides no visible representation of disability.

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Category Breakdown

Does Speak Up have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't have explicit storylines focused on LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender romantic relationships. However, it criticizes traditional social politeness, which aligns with queer theory.

How does Speak Up portray gender?

Excellent

Women are shown taking active roles rather than being passive victims. The narrative highlights the female voice as a tool for correcting social issues, challenging stereotypes of submissive women.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Speak Up?

Excellent

The documentary focuses on Black, South Asian, and Middle Eastern identities, offering a nuanced look at the Afropean experience. It challenges narrow, Anglo-centric views of the diaspora.

How does Speak Up represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western social etiquette, presenting traditional politeness as a mechanism for systemic oppression. It emphasizes the lived experiences of underrepresented groups over established social norms.

Does Speak Up include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence within the film to determine the presence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Centers a wide range of skin tones and ethnic backgrounds.
Empowers female voices to address gender hierarchies and linguistic sexism.
Offers a nuanced critique of the Afropean diaspora and challenges Anglo-centric views.

Limited or Absent

Doesn't have explicit storylines focused on LGBTQ+ identities.
Provides no visible representation or narrative focus on disability.

Official Synopsis

The movie focuses on our common identities : “woman” and “black”, whilst highlighting the diversity of Afropean diasporas. This documentary explores the intersections of discrimination, art and blackness.

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