It is true that there are very few female filmmakers around the world. And if I was capable enough to conduct a research on "why" I would. But since I am not qualified enough for that I would just like to evaluate the possibilities of changing this.
Observations from film school:
1. Men don't discuss camera and technical aspects with women. At least not to the same extent as they do with male colleagues and neither with equal joy and exuberance.
2. Men would never trust a female DP.
3. There is ONE female DP in my entire class.
4. Men prioritize crewing for each others' projects.
5. Men collaborate with male colleagues and "help" female colleagues.
6. Men respect female writers, men can't imagine to acknowledge a superior female director.
7. There are fewer female faculty members in Directing.
8. Men don't discuss the filmmaking potential of their female colleagues. Women always discuss the inspiring male filmmakers.
8. Men understand film equipment better. Period.
It is not a question of whether this is conscious or unconscious, on the part of the male filmmakers but it is what it is. Things have been like that for ages. It's a thought process, it's a way of life. But at some point, this has to change. And as women we have to stand up to break out of this pattern.
We need to give each other more credit for our accomplishments and less jealous criticism. We have to encourage and support other female filmmakers. It does not matter what is the caliber of filmmaking, the point is that we need a stronger female voice and that can only be achieved if more and more women come out of the closet and feel determined to express themselves in front of the world as filmmakers. We need to engage in constructive criticism, and work towards improvement. We have to be conscious in not shying away from expressing ourselves. We have to make a conscious effort to be there for each other, as artists, as friends, as competitors and begin a solid camaraderie which for some strange reason seems to be missing.
