The Future Of Female Filmmakers

The film industry is more diverse than ever. New and exciting strides are taken with each groundbreaking project giving way for representation like that of the 2021 film CODA which depicts the deaf community and 2022’s interpretation of the multiverse and generational bonds in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Yet, after years of prior neglect and a blatant disregard for different perspectives, television and film have played catch-up in everything from award shows to behind-the-scenes staff. And still, many groups remain underrepresented in cinema production, especially women. So many powerful women behind the camera are still fighting their way to the forefront. Once forgotten and severely underestimated, this is changing for the better. 

We see it every year– the alarming lack of recognition for women at award shows like the Golden Globes and the Oscars. The real issue does not begin on the center stage of these ceremonies but rather in the hiring departments, technical schools, and the unwavering stigmas that hold women back. 

 So, why aren’t we exposed to more women behind the camera? There are a few different barriers that contribute to the lack of representation. Still, most are rooted in the misogynistic views of people who should otherwise be encouraging women to show up and embrace their talents in the art of cinema. 

The Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film reports that of the top 100 films of 2017, only 8% were directed by women. When women are present and involved in filmmaking, they are often pushed into less hands-on roles, limiting them to jobs like producing instead of cinematography and camera work.

Some of the most notable female filmmakers today include Ava DuVernay, Chloé Zhao, and Wanuri Kahiu, who create art on screen and fight the stigma behind being a woman in the industry. As these skilled directors pave the way for future filmmakers, it’s essential to look back at some women who started fighting for equal opportunities in Hollywood. Jessie Maple, a Black Cinematographer, changed the dynamic of previously white male unions and created space for all people by creating her own production company. Though these problems persist even today, as in 2019, Women in Film reported that less than 1% of directors were women of color.

Some other firsts include Filmmaker and Director of The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow, who was the first woman to win an Academy Award for directing in 2010. In 1991, Director Julie Dash released the first theatrical film created by an African-American woman.

Regarding women breaking boundaries in front of the camera, tools like the Bechdel test, which measures how women communicate on-screen, prove the enduring misogyny among media today. But who’s to blame for the misogyny? Most would claim the predominantly male brains in the background writing scripts, directing scenes, and producing content, are the ones who often perpetuate a false idea of femininity.

As we witness the conditions that cause the imbalances in the industry, like the fact that female directors have been shut out of Golden Globes nominations in past years, we must also look at recognition in other forms. Among these controversies is the gender wage gap, which accounts for the fact that female producers and directors made 89 cents to the dollar men earned in 2021. 

Uplifting women trying to break into the film industry requires supporting their projects and advocating for their spaces in the field. Women deserve respect and opportunities to showcase their skills, especially in cinema. Some other filmmakers to watch out for include Amma Asante, Julie Dash, and Kasi Lemmons.

As women continue to break into the industry unapologetically, take some time to appreciate some successful films by female directors who managed to exceed all expectations.

Nomadland (Chloé Zhao, 2020)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Celine Sciamma, 2019)

Little Women (Greta Gerwig, 2019)

The Babadook (Jennifer Kent, 2014)

Selma (Ava DuVernay, 2014)

Clueless (Amy Heckerling, 1995)

American Psycho (Mary Harron, 2000)

Zero Dark Thirty (Kathryn Bigelow, 2012)

Strike Out,

Matilda Pollard

Boca Raton

Matilda Pollard is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She is a proud Pisces who loves all things creative. Her hobbies include trying new foods and watching classic rom-coms. You can reach her at mpollard280@gmail.com