History of women in film
Published: 17 May 2014 | by Becky Ridgewell edited by Pippa Mann
Women are still underrepresented in film making and directing despite the fact that the large part of mainstream film audience is mainly female.
The only woman who won Best Director at the Oscars was Kathryn Bigelow in 2010.
The only two American women who have made it as far as being nominated for Best Director are both frequently referred to as the wife or daughter of other male directors and the situation in Europe is similar.
The Second World War allowed women to fill men roles and Muriel Box made her directorial debut with the Ministry of Information making short documentaries.
However, the post war period saw little improvement with women film makers largely ignored and underfunded.
The lack of female directors was once attributed to the lack of female film school graduates but Kira Cochrane pointed out that in 2010, 34% of directing school students were women.
On graduation many make short films but few go on to make feature length productions.
As in other spheres where women are underrepresented, they are creating their own film festivals and prizes.
In London there is the Bird’s Eye View film festival which showcases women directors and film makers.
More women than ever before are training to direct films, many go on to make short films and a few are making it in a very competitive and sexist industry.
There is still a long way to go but the more women there are directing and producing will eventually mean more female film executives who control the purse strings of the industry which could lead to a much needed change.
- womenshistorymonth.wordpress.com