In my younger days, I saw films as cosmic nebulas where dreams seamlessly intertwined with reality. However, as I delved deeper into this art form, I began to discern a troubling pattern.
In cinema, one might assume that creativity knows no boundaries. However, the reality is that talent doesn’t always transcend gender, and a disheartening truth persists — gender bias.
Gender bias casts a long shadow over the careers of female directors, filmmakers, and producers.
As a seasoned producer and filmmaker, I’ve navigated these treacherous waters, and the challenges run deep. Gender bias not only impacts the industry itself but also the audiences it serves. It unjustly limits opportunities for talented individuals solely based on their gender. This bias, ultimately, shapes the way stories are told.
In this blog, we will shed light on the persistent challenges that females like myself face in the industry, and propose practical strategies to overcome them.
An Inside Look
In 2020, a mere 16% of directors working on the top 100 grossing films were women. This statistic illustrates the pervasive underrepresentation of female voices in the industry. Considering that women make up roughly 50% of the global population, it becomes evident that this imbalance is not an accident.
Women of color face an even more distressing scenario. In the same year, only 6.3% of directors were women of color, highlighting the intersectional bias deeply rooted within the industry.
In 2020, only 17% of films had a female producer.
Balancing family life with the demanding nature of a film career is a genuine struggle for many female filmmakers. This also affects the time and resources we can invest in networking, which is a fundamental aspect of the industry.
To add fuel to the fire, we often find ourselves confined to certain genres or themes, which limits our creative freedom and innovation. This stifling environment hampers the potential for diverse storytelling that could enrich and transform the cinematic landscape.
Talent knows no gender, and we all share equal rights to creation.
There is a vast pool of hidden potential, and it’s time the film industry embraces this. Diversity and inclusivity should be the guiding principles of the cinematic world, as they enrich storytelling and offer audiences a broader spectrum of perspectives. Audiences also wield the power to shape the industry with their preferences, a topic that perhaps deserves its own blog post.
Here are 7 strategies for overcoming bias
Demonstrate that investing in your vision is a wise decision: Forge relationships with potential investors and showcase the profitability of female-led projects in your pitches.
Build connections: Attend film festivals, workshops, and industry events.
Learn: Seek mentorship from established filmmakers and producers. Improve your creative and interpersonal skills.
Collaborate with supportive teams: Find people who understand your priorities, making it easier to balance family and career.
Embrace setbacks as part of the process, adapt, and relentlessly move forward: It’s about persistence, not perfection. Resilience will be your greatest ally in this game.
Harness your influence and platforms: Promote your work and advocate for change. Support initiatives and organizations working toward a more inclusive industry.
Position yourself: Explore opportunities beyond your current location. Not all regions offer the same level of opportunity and moving might be a necessary step to follow your vision. While not everyone has the privilege to relocate, it’s crucial to understand how you can better position yourself, whether at home or on a broader stage.
I’ve been fortunate to work with individuals and organizations dedicated to dismantling these barriers. These experiences have nurtured my belief in the importance of gender equality in cinema. Stories can be elevated when told from diverse perspectives, offering a richer representation of our human experience.
The film industry is undergoing a transformative period where conversations about gender bias and inequality are gaining momentum. As filmmakers, we should continue to challenge these notions and foster safe and inclusive environments. Cinema can become a place where creativity knows no boundaries.