An infinite spectrum of colours 1: Teaching gender issues through Prisma

This article presents the research underpinning the video essay An Infinite Spectrum of Colours: Teaching Gender Issues through Prisma (also included in this special issue) and aims to explore the value of serial dramas as tools for discussing gender issues and enhancing media literacy in high school students. Through interviews with industry professionals, textual analysis and analysis of promotional materials, this work explores Prisma (2022-2024), an Italian coming-of-age series co-produced by Amazon Prime Video and Cross Productions. Prisma builds on the “SKAM methodology,” which includes in-depth research, youth interviews, and consultant advice to engage viewers with authentic narratives around gender, identity, inclusivity, and disability. Its thoughtful and educational approach to gender-related topics makes it a valuable case study. In particular, the article focuses on the “coming out” theme, examining it through three lenses: a) narrative techniques that challenge stereotypes by subverting the viewers’ expectations; b) media literacy, comparing coming out scenes from other series; and c) gender insights, exploring how this theme resonates with non-binary and fluid identities.