As a life-long advocate for creatives and women in the arts, I had to speak up about this one. No holding me back. On my desk sits this article.
Just when you think we made a ton of progress with women’s empowerment and their creative careers – looks like we have much more work to do in the visual arts medium of filmmaking – specifically women directors of photography (cinematographers).
In last week’s Sunday L.A. Times Calendar section in big bold headlines “Oscar’s first for women gets closer” and a sub headline “The academy has never nominated a female cinematographer, but new films spark hope of change.”
Really? My first reaction was “What era are we in?” Unfortunately, this is still the sign of slow progress in a male dominated industry. (I can’t even begin to express my disgust about the sexual harassment allegations emerging from behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. However, thank goodness it’s finally being revealed. That’s another article.)
Here are some real facts about women in cinematography from the article, “In 2016, women made up 5% of cinematographers working on the top 250 domestic-grossing films according to the most recent annual study sponsored by the Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film. As of 2017, no woman has ever been nominated for the cinematography Oscar. Still, those working behind the camera are hopeful that change is coming.”
The article goes on to give the spotlight to the film “Mudbound” shot by a woman cinematographer who is an Oscar contender and other quotes by industry experts and filmmakers.
So what does this mean to you and me?
- We need to keep the belief strong.
- We need to keep our heads high in dignity and support our sisters in their artistic endeavors.
- Whether it’s sharing one of your friend’s creative project on Facebook and giving it the glory it deserves or offering to do a screening for an independent filmmaker who is working hard to get into a film festival or award show, or it’s celebrating with your own sweet daughter who is showing her artistic talents by sharing her latest crayon drawing, watercolor project, or poem from school.
- Feed the collective consciousness with your supportive actions to raise and lift women in the arts.
I coach and mentor women creatives every day of my working life. I help them align their talent with their worth. I help them move beyond their old beliefs of doubt and uncertainty and step into a new ownership of their power and confidence to run a solid business that rewards them for their talents.
What can you do to support the cause? Share with me in the comments below.
Join the 2018 creative renewal revolution by engaging in rich conversation with creatives around the world in my new upcoming free Virtual Book Club Series starting with Elizabeth Gilbert’s BIG MAGIC. The series begins in mid-January with interviews, coaching, juicy conversations about art, creativity, inspiration and more. Details coming soon. Please email me your interest at support@marladiann.com
