The Emergence of Female Directors in Hollywood
Hey there, film buffs! Remember how awestruck we all were at the storytelling brilliance in Greta Gerwig’ movie, ‘Lady Bird?’ Or how about Jennifer Lee, co-directing the highest-grossing animated film of all time, ‘Frozen’? Yeah, it’s heartwarming stuff, right? So, today let’s don our hats and raise a toast to the emergence of female directors in Hollywood. They’re shaking up a traditionally male-dominated industry, and it’s about time we took note.
Trailblazers Stepping Behind the Camera
Amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, it’s easy to gloss over the machinery that works to craft the magic on screen–especially when a lot of that machinery has been, historically, predominantly male. With the [#TimesUp](https://www.timesupnow.com) movement and an increasing call for gender equality in all sectors, we’re finally witnessing a significant shift. The Hollywood Reporter states that the number of female directors for high-grossing films reached a 13-year high in 2019.
Busting Through Hollywood Stereotypes
Remember when we were kids watching action and adventure movies? How often would we see a movie directed by a woman? More often than not, the answer is ‘not nearly enough.’ The stereotype that women can only direct dramatic and emotional narratives has been thoroughly dismantled and I for one, couldn’t be happier. Case in point: Kathryn Bigelow, our Oscar-winning director for ‘The Hurt Locker,’ an intense war drama. Whoda thunk, right?
The Future is Bright
The sights and sounds of cinema are changing, thanks to these trailblazing women. According to the [Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film](https://womenintvfilm.sdsu.edu), women accounted for 16% of directors working on the top 100 grossing films in 2020—up from 4% in 2018. That’s an increase I’m thrilled to see and here’s hoping we keep that momentum going!
Embracing the Change
Yes, the battle for equality in the director’s chair is far from over, but we’re getting there, folks. Let’s champion these brilliant women making their voices heard in Hollywood and all follow their lead. We need to listen, learn and push for more representation and diversity in this crazy movie-making world. So, are you with me? Let’s make sure 2021 is the year we all champion female directors!