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FEATURE
July 3, 2023
Women in film
Successful women in film challenge gender stereotypes and how they established themselves in a male-dominated industry.
The film industry has been long dominated by males, which changed over the recent years with women breaking down barriers and challenging the positions both on and off screen. According to a report by Martha M. Lauzen, more female filmmakers are making their mark with a gradual increase of 6% in hired off-screen positions from 2015 to 2022 in the top 100 and 5% in the top 250 grossing films in the US. While these statistics may seem discouraging, it is important to note that they represent a slight improvement from previous years. Additionally, the numbers vary significantly depending on the type of film. Independent films, for example, tend to have higher percentages of women in key creative roles than big-budget studio films. Despite the progress that has been made, however, there is still a long way to go before the film industry can truly be considered equitable and inclusive.
Source: Dr. Martha M. Lauzen, Employment of Behind-the-Scenes Women on Top Grossing U.S. Films in 2022
Successful women in the film industry: Kathryn Bigelow
There are several successful women in the film industry who established themselves globally such as Kathryn Bigelow, Ava DuVernay and Dee Rees. Kathryn Bigelow is an American filmmaker who has directed award winning titles such as 'The Hurt Locker' (2008) and 'Zero Dark Thirty' (2012). She was also the first woman to receive an Academy Award for Best Director in 2010 for her movie 'The Hurt Locker'.
Her other notable works include 'Point Break' (1991), which starred Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze. The film was a critical and commercial success, and established Bigelow as a major force in Hollywood. The film has since become a cult classic, known for its thrilling action sequences and iconic performances. Bigelow's works revolve around action, neo-western horror and sci-fi thrillers. Bigelow's films telling captivating stories which push boundaries and are known for their intense action sequences, realistic portrayals of events, and strong female characters. Her advocacy for female filmmakers and her commitment to telling stories that challenge female stereotypes is a big voice with issues of diversity and representation in Hollywood today.
Bigelow has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in Hollywood, calling for more opportunities for female filmmakers and urging the industry to break down barriers. She has been a role model for aspiring filmmakers, helping to create a pipeline of talent that is diverse and inclusive. Her films have challenged conventions and pushed boundaries, and her success has helped to shatter the glass ceiling for women in the industry.
Ava Marie Duvernay
Ava Marie DuVernay is an American filmmaker and former film publicist. She is a recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award, a NAACP Image Award, a BAFTA Film Award and a BAFTA TV Award, as well as a nominee of an Academy Award and Golden Globe. Her breakthrough was with her film 'Selma' (2014). This movie earned DuVernay a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director, making her the first black woman to be nominated for the award. 'Selma' was also notable for its impact on the national conversation about civil rights.
The film was released during a time of heightened racial tension in the United States, and helped to spark a renewed interest in the legacy of the civil rights movement. Her other success films include “13th” (2016) and “When They See us” (2019). “13th” is a documentary about the history of racial inequality in the United States, which was nominated an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and won several other awards, including a Peabody Award and an Emmy. “When They See us” was released on Netflix in 2019, scoring critical and commercial success with the portrayal of racial injustice and police brutality in the series.
DuVernay has also been a mentor to aspiring filmmakers, helping to create a pipeline of talent that is diverse and inclusive. She has founded several initiatives, including ARRAY, a film distribution company that focuses on supporting women and people of colour, and the ARRAY Creative Campus, a multi-use facility designed to support artists and creatives from underrepresented communities.
Dee Rees
Dee Rees is also an American screenwriter and director. She began her career in the film industry as a writer and director of short films. Her 2011 short film, 'Pariah' received critical acclaim and was expanded into a feature-length film. The film, which followed the story of a young black lesbian coming to terms with her identity, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of its characters.
Her next success film was 'Mudbound' (2017). The film, which was adapted from a novel by Hillary Jordan, explores the lives of two families - one black and one white - living on a farm in rural Mississippi during World War II. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, with Rees, who co-wrote the film's screenplay, was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, becoming the first black woman to be nominated in that category.
She continues to break barriers in exploring power, privilege and identity in her limited series on Netflix, 'The Chair' (2021). The series has been praised for its sharp writing, strong performances, and the portrayal of complex issues. In addition to being an established filmmaker in the industry, Rees has also been a vocal advocate for women and people of colour in the film industry. She has spoken out about the need for greater inclusion and representation, and has encouraged aspiring filmmakers to tell their own stories.
Overall, women in film have made significant strides in the film industry, but there is still much work to be done. We must continue to support and promote female filmmakers, address the barriers they face, and create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all. By doing so, we can ensure that the film industry is a place where talent, creativity, and innovation can thrive, regardless of gender.
