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Business & Culture
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Canton’s Art Centre celebrates women in action films in cinemas

A chance to experience re-releases of iconic action films with women at their heart.

Linda Hamilton’s role in Terminator 2 is considered a groundbreaking example of a woman in an action film, guiding many other actors to find similar strides.

Action film lovers in Cardiff get a chance to watch their favourite movies that might bust the myth that action is just by and for men in cinemas with the ‘Women in Action’ season.  

The films highlight the contributions of female stunt performers and their fight for recognition, while also celebrating a new generation of action stars and filmmakers who are honouring the legacy of those who have fallen, crashed, shattered, and risen again before them.

“After the triumph of Everything Everywhere All at Once and the continued success of franchises like John Wick and Mission: Impossible,” says season producer Timon Singh, “It’s clear that the thrill of watching ‘real action’ done by stunt performers, as well as stars like Michelle Yeoh and Tom Cruise, still captivates audiences.”

A wide range of women characters both on and off screen have played a part in forming the narrative of modern films.

The event will screen 13 brilliant movies from different parts of the world including Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break. Despite being a masculine-oriented action film of the 1990s, Point Break showcases the director’s ability as a filmmaker in a male-dominated genre.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day will also be screening this week. Linda Hamilton’s role as Sarah Connor in the movie is considered a groundbreaking example of a woman in an action film by critics.

Action genre films have long been the torch bearer of the movie industry and has helped shape the culture of cinema. The initiative aims at celebrating the physicality of actors and the stunt performers whose extraordinary on-screen exploits push the boundaries of filmmaking.

Chapter Art Centre in Canton is presenting its own take on the Act of Action, a BFI Film Audience Network [FAN] initiative throughout the UK.

“Art of Action will be a high-octane crowd pleaser at a moment when we truly need to be supporting cinemas, which provide such vital culture and entertainment to communities across the UK,” says Jason Wood, BFI Director of Public Programme & Audiences when asked about the initiative’s possible performance. 

“We are taking gender stereotypes and punching back at them hard!” says Chapter about the ‘Women in Action’ season.

Chapter Art Centre in Canton is screening ‘Women in Action’ films till 12th of December 2024.