Cinema is being seen through a completely new lens in Pedreguer. This small town in Spain’s Alicante province has launched an initiative that challenges audiences to question what they watch… and how they watch it. The project, called “Ulleres Violeta” (Purple Glasses), is not just about films; it’s about reshaping perspectives.
Created by the local council’s Equality department, the club offers a space where residents can come together to explore cinema through a feminist lens, starting from Thursday April 16. The aim is simple but powerful: to encourage critical thinking about how women, gender roles and power dynamics are portrayed on screen.
A different way of watching films
The idea behind “purple glasses” has become widely recognised as a way of viewing the world through gender awareness: spotting inequalities, stereotypes and biases that often go unnoticed. This concept sits at the heart of the club.
Participants are encouraged to revisit films with fresh eyes, analysing everything from character development to dialogue and visual storytelling. What might once have seemed like harmless entertainment is re-examined for the messages it sends about gender and society.
Rather than passively consuming content, viewers are invited to actively question it. Why are certain roles assigned to women? How are relationships framed? And what narratives are being normalised?
How the club works
The format mirrors that of a book club but with films instead of novels. Members watch selected titles at home before attending group sessions where they discuss their insights and reactions.
These meetings are designed to be open, collaborative and thought-provoking. Discussions explore themes such as representation, inequality and the subtle ways cinema reinforces cultural norms.
The sessions are led by Irene Ballester Buigues, a lecturer at the University of Valencia and an expert in feminist art and gender studies. Her guidance helps participants deepen their analysis and engage more critically with what they see on screen.
Open to everyone
Taking place at Pedreguer’s Municipal House of Culture, the sessions run over several weeks, typically in the evening to encourage attendance.
Importantly, the club is open to anyone with an interest in film: no academic background required. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a cinema enthusiast, the focus is on shared learning and open dialogue.
The welcoming format ensures that everyone feels comfortable contributing, making it as much about community as it is about cinema.
More than a film club
“Ulleres Violeta” goes beyond film analysis, it’s about fostering a more critical and aware society. By encouraging people to question the narratives they consume daily, the initiative hopes to inspire broader conversations about equality and representation.
In a world where we are constantly surrounded by visual content, learning to watch with intention has never been more important. This small-town project highlights how local initiatives can spark meaningful change, starting with something as simple as how we see a film, and ultimately, how we see the world.
