Women Behind Cinema — Who rules the world in celluloid?
An International Women’s Day 2021 featurette.
The film is what it is because of the people behind the façade. It becomes important, to address the differences in diversity in people working behind the screens as much as those on screen. Frequently, we find feminine characters as a part of the story. However, the story is starkly contrasting when it comes it comes to the crew.
If you still have not checked out our previous blog post about Women in Cinema, we have a treat in store for you here.
It is proven that diversity in all forms and levels of workplaces, including the board, committee, and strategic decision-making positions leads to a better outcome overall. Other industries have started to accept it and take baby steps towards it. However, I do not find cinema having any conducive environment to incorporate women in their army. Frequently, familial constraints prevent women from coming into the cinema or taking up significant roles. In a few countries, the ingrained societal conditioning does not allow women to take up cinema as a lucrative career. Years and years of this attitude have gated the community from any growth. Only if there are constant torchbearers who can keep the gates open will there be any reassurance for the society to let its girls take the baton.
It is a twisted fabric, I agree. Many may feel it is unnecessary or rather stupidity to get the society in nature. Let us not forget that society consists of its people.
The glass ceiling restricts women in the corporate world. Similarly, the “celluloid ceiling” achieves the same here.
I feel that the number of women behind the camera, in the studios, and in front of the console are marginal compared to women who want to act. Is it because the number of people who aspire for the same is lesser, leading to a lesser proportion taking it as a career and making a mark here?
There is an inherent stereotyping which women face that they are not capable enough to handle technicalities. It is absurd. Constant conditioning can create a mental barrier in women. For instance, many women do not try out cinematography just because she has been taught to believe that she will not excel in it. Similarly, it can be extended for other domains within cinema. The number of women who enroll in such courses is minimum to none. If there are women-only schools, just to win parents’ consent, it will be a blessing in disguise. However, this begs the argument that having only women in a school also hinders the advantages diversity gives. Nevertheless, this provides a lucrative opportunity for girls to get into the cinema.
Unsafe environments that the industry poses to the women are the elephants in the room. Since time immemorial, sexual harassment within hidden doors under the guise of a better future has driven women out of this industry. It is worrying to know that, despite the presence of legal safeguards, women are not within their reach. These procedures at times feel like a gimmick more than a justice delivery system.
It is time to get our numbers game right before we march to conclusions.
A study released in 2020 says that only 8% of the women hold Head of Department (HoD) positions when it comes to Indian cinema. HoD includes scriptwriting, cinematography, editing, direction, production design. Saddening? Here is more.
The image speaks for itself. Only one woman has ever won the Oscar for the best director. The same holds good for the National Award given by India. According to a study regarding women’s representation in the famous West, less than 30% of the crucial back stage positions were held by the woman. I am taking a wild guess now. When the number of women competing for these roles is less, the number who win is lesser. Moreover, a hierarchy exists in any industry. Only when the number of women at the bottom of the pyramid is high will there be a good chance of moving up the ladder.
The truth is heartbreaking. Many may think we are late to the party in addressing it. I say, better late than never. Girls, go and get them. Break all the celluloid ceilings you can. We promise to come and watch your work. I am sure your intense grit and shimmering talent will reflect on the screens.
Girls, we need you back here. My hopes rest on the current scenario that shows small streaks of hope. The proportion of women behind the camera are increasing.Here are a few movies you should definitely give a watch where a woman spearheaded the attack in a department-
1. SilluKarupatti — Haleetha Shameem, Director
2. Paradesi — Poornima Ramasamy, Costume Designer (honestly, this was makeup on fleek)
3. Chinna Veedu — BR Vijayalakshmi, Cinematographer
This is a series commemorating Women’s History Month and the International Women’s Day that falls on the 8th of March every year. Stay tuned for more interesting takes here!
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About the Author: Vijayalakshmi Swaminathan a.k.a Viji Swami is a bored engineer who can be found living on Twitter nowadays. You can reach out to her here, or here.
