Women in film, like with many industries, are underrepresented and overlooked, despite their making contribution and talent. His article is highlighting five amazing women who have contributed to the film industry, breaking boundaries and expectations, finding a space for women in film. Representation is always important both on and off screen, and this article is looking at what beauty and art can be made when women are allowed a seat of the table, and why film companies should strive to make their industry more equal and diverse.
Greta Gerwig
The first on the list is American actor-turned-director, Greta Gerwig. Gerwig’s talent and influence was solidified with 2023’s Barbie, which received global success, sparked social media trends, and a phenomenon of people donning bold pinks. Gerwig’s earlier films are also wildly successful, with films like Ladybird (2017) and Little Women (2019) earning multiple academy award nominations. Gerwig’s work is both gentle and beautiful, but also features strong, unapologetic female characters.
Justine Triet
Justine Triet is a French screen writer and filmmaker known for her film Anatomy of a Fall (2023). This film led to Triet winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, making her the first French female director to win this award. Her success is an inspiration to women in the film industry across the world.
Chloé Zhao
Chloé Zhao is a Chinese-born filmmaker, mainly known for her films Nomadland (2020) and Marvel’s Eternals (2021). For Nomadland, Zhao received the Best Director award at the 93rd Academy Awards, making her the first woman of colour to win in this category. Her success has been crucial to female representation in film, especially for women of colour.
Thelma Schoonmaker
Thelma Schoonmaker is an American film editor who is best known for working on multiple films with Martin Scorsese. Throughout her stellar 50 year career, Schoonmaker has been the recipient of three Academy Awards for her work. She has also been awarded the BFI fellowship and the Golden Lion lifetime achievement award for her contribution to the industry.
Alice Guy-Blaché
Alice Guy-Blaché, born in 1873, is credited with being one of the first ever filmmakers. She directed her first film, La Feé Aux Choux, in 1896 while working as Léon Gaumont’s secretary. She then became Head of Production for the Gaumont company, directing films for them until 1905. She later moved to the USA and continued to direct films, but for the Solax company, directing around 40 films for them. After she passed away, much of her work was credited to her male co-workers, attempting to erase her from history. She was, and remains, a pioneer of the film industry.
This article was such an interesting one to write, researching some incredible and inspiring women in the industry.
