At the Cannes Film Festival this weekend, over 80 women climbed the steps of the Palais des Festivals together to push for better gender equality in the film industry.
Similarly, B&T‘s Changing the Ratio is pushing for increased diversity and equality in our industry at the end of May.
The Cannes protest was organised by the likes of Time’s Up and the French movement 5050×2020, both of which have brought attention to the treatment of women in the film industry.
To date, over 1,800 male-directed films have been chosen for the Cannes lineup, whilst only 82 films chosen have been directed by women, according to the ABC.
Symbolising this low number, 82 female stars, filmmakers and film industry professionals took to the Palais steps linked arm in arm.
Cate Blanchett joined the 81 other women on the steps to read a statement from the group, which French director Agnes Varda then read in French.
“Women are not a minority in the world, yet the current state of the industry says otherwise,” she said.
“We stand together on these steps today as a symbol of our determination to change and progress.
“The stairs of our industry must be accessible to all. Let’s climb.”
Blanchett is one of five female members on this year’s Cannes jury alongside Kristen Stewart, Ava DuVernay, Lea Seydoux and Burundian singer Khadja Nin – all of whom ascended the steps in protest.
Organisers said the event was organised to show “how hard it is still to climb the social and professional ladder” for women.
And that’s not just women in the film industry. Women in all industries experience gender equality – and our industry is no exception. Did you know only 16 per cent of CEOs in Australian ad agencies are female?
Which is exactly why B&T has created the aforementioned Changing the Ratio. It’s an event that will celebrate diversity, inclusion and the promotion of women – and you need to be there.
There’s a stellar speaker line-up, including inspirational individuals like Lisa Wilkinson and Deng Adut and attendees will walk away with game-changing ideas and a whole new mindset.
Sound good? Grab some last minute tickets here!
Changing the Ratio will be held on May 28 at Sydney’s Belvoir St Theatre in Surry Hills. For all other info, head to the website.
