Pepa Blanes, a prominent figure in film journalism and head of Culture at Cadena SER, recently released a book titled 'Cuando ellas brillan' that delves into the evolving portrayal of women in film and literature. The essay reflects on recent developments, including the rise of female directors, their increasing visibility in festivals and box office hits, and the impact of the MeToo movement. Blanes aims to answer the question of what has changed regarding how women's stories are told and who is telling them, suggesting a significant shift towards women narrating their own experiences and challenges.

The context of the book is steeped in personal experience, as Blanes reveals her own struggles with anorexia, which adds a layer of urgency to her exploration of women’s mental health, desires, and friendships. Through a critical lens, the book is a blend of emotional memories and cinematic devotion, tracing the representation of women from iconic television like 'Las chicas de oro' to contemporary series like 'Fleabag'. Blanes encourages readers to revisit and reevaluate existing narratives and to recognize the importance of female stories in contemporary media.

In conclusion, 'Cuando ellas brillan' is not just a celebration of women in fiction; it also serves as a call to action for more nuanced and varied representations. Blanes's work highlights the significance of sorority, class, and desire in understanding the complexities of women's lives, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to storytelling in film and television.