Behind Barbie: The Reality of Women In Film
Written by Leah Hetteberg
In the past 6 months, the movie industry has witnessed a revolutionary breakthrough for female filmmakers with Barbie, written and directed by Greta Gerwig. Her work became the highest grossing film in Warner Bros.’s box office history. However, this encouraging advancement of Greta’s continuous filmmaking success misrepresents the stark reality of gender imbalances that continue to plague the film industry.
Despite the strides made in recent years, only about a quarter of filmmakers are female. On the big-time scale, in top-grossing movies, even less than 20% are directed or written by women. The gender gap widens further in technical positions, such as cinematography, with a mere 7% female representation.
For aspiring female filmmakers, the journey into the film industry can be especially daunting due to the male dominance of the field. Especially in technical or leadership areas, the industry often creates an environment where women may find themselves overlooked or ignored. The men in the film industry, much like any other, tend to think of themselves and their male peers as greater than their female counterparts. Unintentionally or otherwise, this can contribute to an atmosphere that hinders the growth and recognition of talented women in the field.
To address these challenges, the film industry must actively foster an environment that encourages and supports women throughout their careers. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, gender-inclusive workshops, and increased representation in decision-making roles can contribute to dismantling the barriers that hinder the progress of women in film.
While leaders such as Greta Gerwig signal a positive change in the landscape of women in film, the industry still grapples with significant gender discrepancies. The statistics reveal a stark reality that demands attention and action. It is crucial to continue advocating for equal opportunities, dismantling gender stereotypes, and creating an inclusive environment that empowers the next generation of female filmmakers to thrive in all aspects of the cinematic world.
