Kristen Stewart Expresses Fury Over Hollywood's Backsliding for Female Professionals
The renowned actress and filmmaker has stated she is “so angry” that progress for female directors in the film industry have reversed after a brief period of positive change post the MeToo movement.
The Twilight star, who directed the upcoming film The Chronology of Water, delivered an impassioned speech at a female-focused event in LA hosted by the Academy behind the awards.
“The regression from a short period of advancement is statistically devastating,” she informed attendees. “A disappointingly low figure of films from the past year have been made by women.”
A yearly study that tracks the presence of women directors revealed that eleven of the top 100 films of last year were helmed by female directors, a decrease from sixteen in the year 2020.
‘Boys’ Club Business Model’
During her speech, Stewart said: “After the MeToo movement, it appeared likely that stories created by and for females were at last receiving recognition. That we could be permitted or even supported to express ourselves and our common stories, every aspect of our lives without filter.
“However, I can confirm to the intense struggle that it takes every step when the material is too dark, too controversial, when the honesty with which it presents insights about experiences commonly faced by females, frequently provokes disgust and rejection.”
She continued: “We can discuss wage gaps and menstrual product taxes and measure [inequality] in lots of quantifiable ways. But the act of muting voices, it’s like we’re not even supposed to be angry. But I can eat this podium with a fork and [expletive] knife. I’m so angry.”
The guests hearing Stewart’s address included several prominent actresses.
Stewart was met with multiple ovations over the course of her brief talk.
“I am thankful to you,” she stated. “I am not grateful a male-centric industry framework that claims to desire to associate with us while siphoning our resources and belittling our true perspectives. We must avoid being used as tokens. It’s time to create our own value.”
Upcoming projects 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.
