A Semiotic Study of Representation of Women in Iranian Cinema (A Case Study of Sag Koshi, Chaharshanbe Sori, Kaffe Tranzit)

This study deals with the meaning reconstruction and representation of woman in Iranian Cinema. Three well-known films selected as research setting based on purposive sampling. These are Sag Koshi, Chaharshanbe Sori and Kaffe Tranzit. The study used Representation Theory as theoretical framework and semiotic analysis for data analysis. The results show that cultural concepts and categories are defined in the basis of masculine structure. So, such concepts have eccentric and sometimes paradoxical meaning to the women. For women, concepts such as the dispensation of justice, equalization, independence, power, development and loyalty are regarded according to their value for men. Indeed, women have independent and obedient identity. In this manner, in order to progress and interpret their own life, women not only encounter structural and social barriers but also other structures of patriarchic system similar to conscience are penetrated deep into the depth of their mind and thought. The presence of men, even when they are absent, sent very powerful signal for women and remind them that they have to act based on their orders and rules.