The actress and director Expresses Fury Over Hollywood's Regression for Female Professionals
The renowned actress and filmmaker has declared she is “furious” that advancements for female directors in Hollywood have reversed after a brief period of positive change post the MeToo movement.
The Twilight star, who directed the forthcoming film The Chronology of Water, delivered an emotional address at a women’s luncheon in Los Angeles hosted by the Oscars organization.
“The backsliding from a short period of progress is statistically devastating,” she told the audience. “A disappointingly low figure of films from the past year have been made by women.”
A yearly study that monitors the numbers of women directors revealed that 11 of the top 100 films of last year were helmed by female directors, down from sixteen in 2020.
‘Male-Dominated Industry Model’
During her speech, Stewart remarked: “In a post-MeToo moment, it appeared likely that stories made by and for women were at last receiving recognition. That we could be permitted or even supported to share our views and our shared experiences, every aspect of our lives without filter.
“However, I can confirm to the intense struggle that it requires at each stage when the material is too grim, too taboo, when the honesty with which it serves up observations about experiences routinely experienced by women, often elicits disgust and rejection.”
She added: “We can talk about pay disparities and taxes on tampons and measure [inequality] in lots of quantifiable ways. But the act of muting voices, 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.”
Attendees listening to Stewart’s speech featured several prominent actresses.
Stewart received several rounds of applause over the course of her seven-minute speech.
“I appreciate you,” she stated. “I do not thank a male-centric industry framework that claims to desire to associate with us while siphoning our resources and diminishing our genuine viewpoints. We must avoid being used as tokens. Let’s start printing our own currency.”
New films from several female directors are in the running for the next Academy Awards, but the top directing award is anticipated again to be dominated by men.
