This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the trailblazing women in film who have shaped the industry, from iconic actresses to pioneering directors, highlighting the importance of diversity in film and impact entertainment.
Women like Lois Weber and Alice Guy-Blaché were among the first to break barriers in filmmaking, paving the way for future generations of women in film to challenge stereotypes and advocate for female empowerment in movies. However, women's ideas were not always valued in the film industry. It took the strength and determination of many women to improve women's roles in the film industry.
From the 1890s-1910s, gender roles were not a consideration in the film industry, as it was brand new and not making large profits. Women like Alice Guy Blanche, the first female director, and Lois Weber, the first woman to write, direct, produce, and star in a movie, seemed to be paving the way for a new industry filled with powerful women.
However, this all changed in the 1920s. The silent film industry became extremely popular and was suddenly turning films into a money-making industry. Once men realized they could make money through film, they took power positions in the industry, such as director, producer, and editor jobs. A female-made industry was turned into a male-dominated industry, just like that.
This male-dominated industry did not stop determined women from forcing their way into power positions. Directors like Lina Wertmuller started getting nominated for Academy Awards for their work. Actresses like Katherine Hepburn and Bette Davis in the 1940s were also nominated and won Academy Awards for their work, all while creating a platform for social change by refusing to conform to the ideas of what a women should be. Despite the expectation created by film that women should simply love makeup and hair, these women continued to fight to make an impact on the film industry.
Women continued to be influential forces in the film industry from the 1970s-2010s, such as the powerful actresses Meryl Streep, Barbara Streisand, and Julia Roberts. Women even began making advances in film technology. Dr. Kristina Johnson is the woman responsible for the creation of 3D movies, which was revolutionary in the 2000s.
While all of these women's perseverance in the film industry has led to progress, progress is slow, and women are still overpowered by men in the industry. According to a San Diego State University Study in 2023, females only accounted for 16% of directors, 17% of writers, and 26% of producers, all of which are under a 10% increase since 1998.
The percentages of women working behind the scenes of films surprisingly differs depending on the type of film being made. There is almost an equal number of men and women working behind-the-scenes on documentaries, while there is a much more significant gap in the number of men and women working behind-the-scenes on narrative features.
Did you know that Ava DuVernay had to self-fund her early films because no studio would back her? And now she’s built a distribution company to support underrepresented voices. Imagine what would have happened if she had been supported earlier.
Despite these inequalities and lack of female representation in the film industry, women like Ana are making important strides in film in the present, some of which are films you've probably seen.
Here are a few 21st-century films directed by women for a deeper dive:
- To Kill a Tiger: Directed by Nisha Pahuja. This film tells the story of a farmer in Jharkhand, India who is forced to lead a fight for justice after his 13-year-old survives a sexual assault. Check out the impact campaign behind To Kill a Tiger here.
- Barbie: Directed by Greta Gerwig. This film shares the journey of the beloved toys, Barbie and Ken, as they are pulled out of their perfect life in Barbie Land and in the real world. Check out Barbie's social impact campaign here. The Barbie campaign is a prime example of how entertainment can be used to promote positive messages and support social causes
Empact is dedicated to supporting impact campaigns that amplify the voices of women in Hollywood, fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry. We collaborate with filmmakers to develop impact campaigns that not only raise awareness but also inspire action, leveraging the power of storytelling to drive social change.
Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month by supporting impact entertainment initiatives that highlight the achievements of women in film and promote inclusive filmmaking practices! Check out our womens celebration Instagram post on @empact.fyi 📹
Thanks for reading!
With gratitude,
Emma Lasky, with the Empact team 🫶
Thanks Standound and Sanford H. Calhoun High School!
