Mr Niki Chantzis
PhD Student

Research area(s)

International Human Rights Law · LGBTQ+ Representation · Cinema and Legal Ethics

My research lies at the intersection of international human rights law, media and cultural regulation, and LGBTQ+ representation in film. It combines legal theory with socio-cultural analysis to assess how portrayals of queer identities in cinema align with, or violate, international protections of human dignity. The work sits within broader debates on freedom of expression, hate speech, and regulatory responsibilities in global media narratives.

Research Interests

My research interests lie at the intersection of international human rights law, media, and identity politics. I focus particularly on the right to dignity within international human rights frameworks, as well as the ethical and legal responsibilities of cultural production. A significant part of my work examines LGBTQ+ representation in global cinema and the societal impact of queer media, including audience perception and narrative influence. I explore the tension between freedom of expression and hate speech, particularly through the lens of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, Articles 19–20), and investigate how cultural narratives interact with international legal norms. My interests also extend to media self-regulation and international standards, such as those outlined by UNESCO and the European Union, with a broader emphasis on how law and film shape and are shaped by identity politics.

Research project(s) and grant(s)

Project Title:

Cinema, dignity and LGBTQ+ rights: A view on the international law parameters

Project Summary:

This interdisciplinary PhD explores how LGBTQ+ characters are portrayed in global cinema and assesses whether these representations uphold or violate international legal protections—particularly the right to dignity. Drawing from international human rights treaties such as the ICCPR, UDHR, CEDAW, and Yogyakarta Principles, the study analyzes legal gaps, media ethics, and audience perception to understand the broader social and regulatory impact of film. The research also examines the potential for policy reform, self-regulation in the film industry, and balancing freedom of expression with dignity and non-discrimination.