Becoming a Woman: Image Practice and Cultural Expression of Chinese Female Directors in the New Era

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of 'becoming female' from Deleuze and Guattari's philosophy of' becoming, 'exploring how contemporary Chinese female directors dynamically construct their female identities in film, highlighting the process of identity fluidity and cultural agency.' Becoming female 'emphasizes the incompleteness and diversity of female identity, challenging the notion of a stable female essence. In the works of directors Wen Yan, Jia Ling, and Li Yu, female characters continually break free from patriarchal norms, moving from silence to expression and from passive to active control of their bodies, showcasing multiple pathways to' becoming female.' The article argues that these creations not only reflect the evolution of female consciousness but also highlight unique ways of female cultural expression in the Chinese context, playing a significant role in gender equality, social reflection, and the redefinition of cultural values.