Resistance and adaptation: film criticism in the era of in Peru

I This study examines the transformations of Peruvian film criticism in the contemporary digital context. Using a grounded theory approach and semi-structured interviews with active critics in Peru, three key themes were identified: adaptation to new digital formats, tensions with influencers, and the precariousness of the profession. The findings show that, while social media has democratized access to criticism, it has also diluted its authority, by confusing analysis with quick opinions. In this new media ecosystem, Peruvian critics struggle to maintain their independence and analytical depth in the face of dominant algorithmic logic. They also take on curatorial and cultural mediation roles, especially in the valorization of national cinema. The article proposes to understand criticism as a practice of cultural resistance in transformation, combining technological adaptation with ethical and engagement. The theoretical implications point to the need to redefine criticism in relation to changes in the media ecosystem, while the practical implications suggest strategies for sustainability, audience education, and the empowerment of critical communities. This paper offers a perspective from Peru, with projections for similar contexts in Latin America.