Armenians at Cannes, Sequels to Hit Films, and New Formats in Feminist Cinema: A Look at Cinematic 2024 by Film Critic and Journalist Diana Martirosyan.

Feminist Themes and Strong Female Characters

Feminism, in its fourth wave, continues to dominate cinematic narratives, bringing diverse stories about women to the big screen. Some standout films from 2024 include Jacques Audiard's "Emilia Perez," Coralie Fargeat's "Substance," and Sean Baker's "Anora." Each film highlights unconventional female protagonists: a once-famous actress, a queer woman, and a stripper.

In "Substance," Demi Moore stars as Elizabeth Sparkle, a former Hollywood star who was replaced by a younger host on her TV show. The film critiques the industry’s obsession with youth and conventional beauty standards. Moore’s casting adds depth, as she herself was a former symbol of Hollywood’s idealized femininity.
Audiard’s "Emilia Perez" tells the story of a transgender woman who was once a Mexican drug lord, blending humor and critique of patriarchal norms. Meanwhile, Baker’s "Anora" challenges traditional romantic comedies, offering a fresh, realistic take on love and stereotypes.

Strong female characters also dominated action, fantasy, and sci-fi genres in films like George Miller’s "Furiosa," Jon M. Chu’s "Wicked," and "Dune: Part 2." These movies embrace themes of empowerment and individuality, reflecting Hollywood's growing push for inclusivity.

Our Region in the Global Cinema Landscape

Several films from neighboring countries gained international acclaim. Georgian-Swedish director Levan Akin’s "Crossing" premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, exploring LGBTQ+ themes within a conservative society. Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof’s "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" won the Jury Prize at Cannes, addressing the protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s tragic death.

However, Armenian cinema had a quieter year. Zara Djian’s documentary "I Will Revenge the World with Love," about Sergey Parajanov, was showcased in the Venice Classics section. Still, compared to last year’s success with Shoghakat Vardanyan’s "1489" at IDFA, Armenian films lacked broader recognition in 2024.

Sequels, Prequels, and Reinvention

2024 was a year of familiar franchises returning to the screen. Notable releases included "Gladiator 2" by Ridley Scott, George Miller’s "Furiosa" from the Mad Max saga, and Tim Burton’s "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice". Animation hits like "Inside Out 2" and "Mufasa" also thrilled audiences.

Yet, amid these blockbusters, many filmmakers used their platforms to critique industry clichés. Directors blended mass appeal with thought-provoking narratives, challenging both audiences and creators to rethink traditional norms.
Global Influence on Cinema

The film industry is becoming more interconnected. Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof represented Germany at the Oscars with his latest work, while Russian actor Yuri Borisov earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Sean Baker’s "Anora." French filmmaker Jacques Audiard ventured into Spanish-language musicals, and Italian director Luca Guadagnino co-produced a Georgian film about rural struggles.

This cultural exchange raises questions about the future of Armenian cinema. Will local filmmakers find their voice in this evolving landscape? Only time will tell.

2024 proved that cinema is not just about entertainment. It’s a space for reimagining norms, fostering inclusivity, and engaging in global conversations.