The actress and director Expresses Fury Over The Film Industry's Regression for Women
The renowned actress and filmmaker has declared she is “so angry” that advancements for women in the film industry have reversed after a brief period of positive change following the MeToo movement.
Stewart, who helmed the forthcoming film The Chronology of Water, gave an emotional speech at a women’s luncheon in Los Angeles hosted by the Oscars organization.
“The regression from a short period of advancement is alarming by the numbers,” she informed attendees. “A disappointingly low figure of films from the past year have been directed by female filmmakers.”
A yearly study that tracks the numbers of female filmmakers revealed that 11 of the highest-grossing films of 2024 were helmed by female directors, down from 16 in 2020.
‘Male-Dominated Industry Model’
In her address, Stewart said: “In a post-MeToo moment, it seemed possible that narratives created by and for females were finally getting their due. That we might be allowed or even encouraged to share our views and our shared experiences, all of our experiences without filter.
“But I can now attest to the bare-knuckle brawling that it requires at each stage when the content is too grim, too taboo, when the frankness with which it serves up observations about experiences commonly faced by females, frequently provokes disgust and rejection.”
She continued: “We can talk about wage gaps and taxes on tampons and measure [inequality] in many measurable forms. But the violence of silencing, it’s like we’re not allowed to feel rage. But I could devour this stand with a fork and [expletive] knife. I’m so angry.”
The guests listening to Stewart’s speech included several prominent actresses.
Stewart received multiple ovations during the duration of her seven-minute speech.
“I am thankful to you,” she said. “I am not grateful a boys’ club business model that claims to desire to hang out with us while draining our assets and belittling our true perspectives. Let’s try and not be tokenised. It’s time to create our own value.”
New films from several female directors are among those for the next Academy Awards, but the top directing award is once again expected to be male in majority.
