Emma
Why is the Film Industry primarily dominated by male directors and is it difficult for women to succeed in this field?
As an aspiring female filmmaker, I have often asked myself why I only saw male directors on stage accepting their Academy Awards. Why are there few well-known female directors? Is there a low number of women filmmakers or are the talented ones not being recognized? How can I, a passionate and hard-working future female director, break into the film industry without being neglected or doubted? Will the work I create ever be enough to garner recognition and praise or will my male counterparts overshadow my significant accomplishments? These are the questions I have as I continue to look deeper into the film industry. These answers to these questions can change my future and affect my successes. If the answers are negative, I leave you with only one other question: When will it change? #women-in-film #women #film-production #film #media #discrimination #gender #equality
2 answers
Jimmy Đoom
Jimmy’s Answer
The answer to "why ?" is lengthy and probably infuriating. But I can tell you this: I have worked with some outstanding female directors including Oksana Mirzoyan and Fleur Fortune. I'm certain they encountered sexism in the directing field but I know they did not let it dissuade them from achieving success. They and many others want to see female directors flourish like their male counterparts have. Obviously, you are aware of the negatives, but there are some positives: There are film grants available only to female directors. There are resources. The Director's Guild of America has a women's committee and diversity initiatives. Seek out mentors in the field (anyone of any gender or race would be wise to do that) and learn how to avoid and push through obstacles. If you encounter sexism, don't be afraid to speak out, because in the last few years we've seen that women's voices are being heard, being listened to and changes in the male power structure are starting to occur. I know I am a white male sitting here telling you this, but I tell you this because of the extremely positive experiences I've had working with female directors and it's for them that I want to encourage you to succeed. Also, in general, do not worry about awards and accolades. Concentrate on the work first and those kinds of things may follow. You can absolutely be part of the change that is occurring in our industry and I truly wish you great success.
